By O Lombardi, S Fortin, F Holik and C López (eds.)
Cambridge University Press
This book debates the topic of quantum information from both a physical and philosophical perspective, addressing the main questions about its nature. At present, different interpretations of the notion of information coexist and quantum mechanics brings in many puzzles; as a consequence, says the author, there is not yet a generally agreed upon answer to the question “what is quantum information?”.
The chapters are organised in three parts. The first is dedicated to presenting various interpretations of the concept of information and addressing the question of the existence of two qualitatively different kinds of information (classical and quantum). The links between this concept and other notions, such as knowledge, representation, interpretation and manipulation, are discussed as well.
The second part is devoted to the relationship between informational and quantum issues, and deals with the entanglement of quantum states and the notion of pragmatic information. Finally, the third part analyses how probability and correlation underlie the concept of information in different problem domains, as well as the issue of the ontological status of quantum information.
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.
