Book: Decoding the Universe
Decoding the Universe
Charles Seife
Viking, 2006
This book looks at how physicists are using information theory to further our understanding of universe. The book begins with an introduction to how communications and cryptography lead to the field of information theory. From there, we see how information theory and thermodynamics are closely related through the concept of entropy. The bulk of the book looks at how both relativity and quantum mechanics are actually theories of information transfer. By far, the most enlightening part of the book is the explanation of how one particular interpretation of quantum mechanics–the many worlds interpretation–influences the structure of the universe.
Throughout this book, the author provides the clearest explanations of the bizarre and seemingly paradoxical nature of quantum mechanics and relativity that I have read. It tells us how some of the paradoxes in those theories can be resolved with information theory. The writing manages to give you a great high-level understanding without getting too bogged down with the details. Anyone curious about the nature of the universe needs to read this book. Highly recommended.
Rating: 9/10
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