Universal information: How much is enough?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept that advancements in physics often reveal that the universe contains less information than previously assumed. It posits that a good theory simplifies the description of observations, suggesting that quantized physics may be necessary to limit information. The conversation highlights the redundancy in our observational datasets and questions the minimum set of equations required to describe them. It concludes with the assertion that the pursuit of knowledge is intrinsic to human nature, driving continual observation and exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental physics principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of information theory
  • Knowledge of quantized physics
  • Awareness of the history of scientific advancements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of information theory in physics
  • Explore quantized physics and its implications
  • Study the history of scientific theories and their evolution
  • Investigate the redundancy in observational datasets in scientific research
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in information theory, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of scientific discovery and the nature of knowledge acquisition.

stuartmacg
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A thought (it is probably as old as hills, but new to me):

Physics advances by finding rules our observations obey. A good theory reduces the information needed to describe what has been observed.
In each (most?) advance(s) we find that the universe actually contains (can be defined by) less information than we had previously (implicitly) assumed. When this is false, science is complete.

If we take that (that the universe contains much less information than we think) as a sort of meta law, then we could have expected a quantized physics would be required, to limit information ...

It amused me anyway!
 
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Given the huge dataset of our observations, (much of which is redundant), what is the minimum set of equations needed to describe that dataset ?
How do we know it is the minimum ?
Why do we need to keep making observations ?
 
From a commercial point of view, the reasons for making high energy particle observations seem to be becoming small :-) - basically "they thought it was all finished in 1900 and look what happened".

Humans - the information animals - have dominated the world by finding and exploiting good models (understanding) of what is going on, so we are not going to stop trying any time soon.

It seems to be in our DNA.
 
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