Northwestern Events Calendar

May
26
2016

Douglas Robertson - A Quantitative Information-Theoretic Approach to the Philosophy of Science

When: Thursday, May 26, 2016
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Where: Technological Institute, F160, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208 map it

Audience: Faculty/Staff - Student - Post Docs/Docs - Graduate Students

Contact: Monica Brown   (847) 491-7650

Group: Physics and Astronomy Complex Systems Seminars

Category: Academic

Description:

P&A Complex Systems Seminar

Featured Speaker

 

Douglas Robertson

Fellow emeritus, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
former Adjunct professor, Dept. of Geological Sciences
University of Colorado, Boulder

 

Title A Quantitative Information-Theoretic Approach to the Philosophy of Science

Abstract:  

Using quantitative information-theoretic ideas I will argue that the computer revolution marks not only a new beginning of civilization but also a new beginning for both science and mathematics, all of which are information-limited. I will then argue that the computer revolution also marks a new beginning for philosophy. Modern quantitative information theory provides concepts and analytic tools that can make philosophy quantitative and more useful, much as Newton’s calculus made physics quantitative and more broadly applicable. Information theory converts Goedel’s celebrated Incompleteness Theorem from an extremely difficult proof into what Greg Chaitin calls “easy to prove and almost obvious.” Information theory provides insights into the concept of a “Theory of Everything” (TOE) in physics, emphasizing the question of whether a TOE can be created with a finite quantity of information or not. Finally I will examine the philosophical questions of consciousness and free will, both of which can be addressed as quantitative problems in information theory.

 

 

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