Science from Fisher Information
Science from Fisher Information
This book develops and applies an analytical approach to deriving the probability laws of science in general. It is called 'extreme physical information' or EPI. EPI is an expression of the imperfection of observation: Owing to random interaction of a subject with its observer and other possible disturbances, its measurement contains less Fisher information than does the subject per se. Moreover, the information loss is an extreme value. An EPI output may alternatively be viewed as the payoff of a zero-sum game of information acquisition between the observer and a 'demon' in subject space. EPI derives, Escher-like, the very probability law that gave rise to the measurement. In applications, EPI is used to derive both existing and new analytical relations governing probability laws of physics, genetics, cancer growth, ecology and economics. This unified approach will be fascinating to students and those who seek a new mathematical tool of research.
- Absolutely unique book which attempts to provide a unification in science through the concept of information.
- Second edition of the best-selling Physics from Fisher Information
- Completely updated throughout with much new material
Reviews & endorsements
'… a stunningly clear interpretation of the laws of physics … Unlocking the fundamental laws is impressive enough, but if this one principle really is the key to all physics, it should do more than reproduce what physicists already know. It should also reveal the secrets of unsolved mysteries.' Robert Matthews, New Scientist
'The book has two attractive features: the frequent discussions in basic physical terms, and the candid way in which the author describes how he has developed his thoughts … I urge the readers of this review to take a good look at the book, which is well-written and certainly thought-provoking.' American Journal of Physics
'This is a delightful and very well written postgraduate level text, which should be of interest to a wide audience including physicists and philosophers. It is a landmark book whose ideas will be discussed and hopefully will be further developed in the future, as it provides a brand new framework to interpret the laws of nature.' Contemporary Physics
Product details
June 2004Hardback
9780521810791
504 pages
244 × 170 × 27 mm
1kg
32 b/w illus. 5 tables
Available
Related links
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. What is Fisher information?
- 2. Fisher information in a vector world
- 3. Extreme physical information
- 4. Derivation of relativistic quantum mechanics
- 5. Classical electrodynamics
- 6. The Einstein field equation of general relativity
- 7. Classical statistical physics
- 8. Power spectral 1/f noise
- 9. Physical constants and the 1/x probability law
- 10. Constrained-likelihood quantum measurement theory
- 11. Research topics
- 12. EPI and entangled realities: the EPR-Bohm experiment
- 13. Econophysics
- 14. Growth and transport processes
- 15. Cancer growth.
