What is Quantum Information?

Description

Combining physics and philosophy, this is a uniquely interdisciplinary examination of quantum information science which provides an up-to-date examination of developments in this field. The authors provide coherent definitions and theories of information, taking clearly defined approaches to considering information in connection with quantum mechanics, probability, and correlations. Concepts addressed include entanglement of quantum states, the relation of quantum correlations to quantum information, and the meaning of the informational approach for the foundations of quantum mechanics. Furthermore, the mathematical concept of information in the communicational context, and the notion of pragmatic information are considered. Suitable as both a discussion of the conceptual and philosophical problems of this field and a comprehensive stand-alone introduction, this book will benefit both experienced and new researchers in quantum information and the philosophy of physics.

Olimpia Lombardi is the director of a research group in the philosophy of physics and the philosophy of chemistry. She has reviewed for several of the most prestigious journals specialized in physics and the philosophy of science, and has been awarded grants from the Foundational Questions Institute, New York and the John Templeton Foundation. Sebastian Fortin is a Research Fellow of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council in Argentina, and has spoken and published widely on quantum information theory, the foundations of quantum mechanics, and the foundations of quantum chemistry. Federico Holik is a Research Fellow of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council in Argentina. His research focusses on the foundations of quantum mechanics, quantum information theory, the interpretation of quantum probabilities, and the study of the logical, algebraic and geometrical aspects of the quantum formalism. Cristian Lopez is a Visiting Fellow of the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy and holds a graduate-research fellowship at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council in Argentina. His research focusses on the philosophy of physics and the philosophy of time.

'This book debates the topic of quantum information from both a physical and philosophical perspective, addressing the main questions about its nature. ... Providing an interdisciplinary examination of quantum information science, this book is aimed at philosophers of science, quantum physicists and information-technology experts who are interested in delving into the multiple conceptual and philosophical problems inherent to this recently born field of research.' CERN Courier 'What is Quantum Information? is a convenient reference point for discussions in that region where physics and philosophy intermingle.' Blake C. Stacey, Theoria