Summary
David Deutsch argues that the multiverse, implied by quantum theory and taken literally, is the key to a new worldview. This worldview is constructed from four foundational strands: quantum physics and its many-universes interpretation; the theory of evolution; the theory of computation, specifically quantum computation; and the theory of knowledge, including explanation and understanding, drawing on Karl Popper.
The book connects leading-edge research and thinking across these disciplines to explore topics such as quantum computers that collaborate with counterparts in other universes, the physics of time travel, the comprehensibility of nature, physical limits of virtual reality, the significance of human life, and the universe’s ultimate fate. It offers a rational synthesis of these disciplines.
Key concepts
- Many-universes interpretation — Quantum theory implies the existence of multiple parallel universes.
- Quantum computation — A theory of computation that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena.
- Theory of knowledge — Includes Karl Popper's ideas on explanation and understanding.
- Theory of evolution — Incorporates Darwin and Dawkins' contributions.
From the book
Description: A penetrating exploration of the new physics, including time travel, quantum computers, and the multiverse from an award-winning physicist For David Deutsch, a physicist of unusual originality, quantum theory contains our most fundamental knowledge of the physical world. Taken literally, it implies that there are many universes “parallel” to the one we see around us. This multiplicity of universes, according to Deutsch, turns out to be the key to achieving a new worldview based on four main strands: • Quantum physics and its many-universes interpretation • The theory of evolution (Darwin/Dawkins) • The theory of computation (quantum computation) • The theory of knowledge (Karl Popper), explanation and understanding The Fabric of Reality explains and connects many topics at…
Snippet: This multiplicity of universes, according to Deutsch, turns out to be the key to achieving a new worldview based on four main strands: • Quantum physics and its many-universes interpretation • The theory of evolution (Darwin/Dawkins) ...