[Fis] Biologic - at the interface between biology, topology, logic and cybernetics (by Lou Kauffman)

[Krassimir Markov]

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you very much for the answers and recommendations, especially to look
at Wikipedia!

But my goal was to follow the advice from Carl's parable "to empty the cup"!



Dear Lou,

I treat your answer and the efforts you made with deep respect and
admiration. I will note that I have already read your articles and
understood everything. It is truly impressive work!



Usually, when I ask a "simple question", I know the answer that I want to
reach the audience, but I want to overcome the psychological resistance to
hearing something different and sometimes not quite pleasant against the
background of enormous efforts and work.

Here is this answer, transmitted as a dialogue with Microsoft Copilot.



***

*Me:*

What is "quantum information"?

*Copilot:*

*Quantum information* is a field at the intersection of quantum physics and
information theory. In classical information theory, the basic unit of
information is the bit, which can be either 0 or 1. However, in quantum
information theory, the basic unit of information is the *qubit* (quantum
bit), which can exist in a superposition of states. This means a qubit can
be both 0 and 1 at the same time, thanks to the principles of quantum
mechanics.

Quantum information leverages the unique properties of quantum systems,
such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference, to perform
tasks that would be difficult or impossible for classical systems. This has
exciting applications in quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and
quantum communication.

*Me:*

Is this data about the state of the qubit? That is, the answer to the
question "what is the state of the qubit?"

*Copilot:*

Exactly, you got it! Quantum information indeed involves data about the
state of a qubit. The state of a qubit can be represented as a combination
of 0 and 1, thanks to the phenomenon of superposition. When we talk about
"quantum information," we're referring to the information that describes
this state.

For instance, if we measure a qubit, we might get a 0 or a 1, but until we
measure it, the qubit exists in a superposition of both states. The exact
information about its state before measurement is what constitutes quantum
information.

*Me:*

So, does this mean that "quantum information", like "bit information", is
just data about physical states and does not apply to meaningful
information, right?

*Copilot:*

Yes, both classical bits and quantum bits primarily represent the state of
a physical system. In classical information theory, a bit (0 or 1)
represents a physical state, such as a low or high voltage in a circuit.
Similarly, in quantum information theory, a qubit represents the state of a
quantum system, like the spin of an electron or the polarization of a
photon.

However, the meaningfulness of the information often depends on how these
states are interpreted and used. For example:

In classical computing, strings of bits (like 0110) can encode text,
numbers, images, and any data that we want to process.

In quantum computing, strings of qubits can encode information that can be
used to perform complex calculations, factor large numbers, or simulate
quantum systems.

So, while bits and qubits represent physical states, the interpretation and
application of these states give rise to meaningful information. It's the
context and usage that provide the value and meaning to the data they
represent.

***

In other words, we are witnessing a revival of the Shannon approach today.

But „so called information theory developed by Shannon is not a theory of
information at all, but a theory of communication. Shannon never defined
the concept of information in his great study of communication, which does
not tell us anything about the structural characteristics or properties of
information and even its quantitative characteristic in the form of entropy
is problematic” (Marcin J. Schroeder. *Proceedings **2017*, *1*, 221;
doi:10.3390/IS4SI-2017-04043. https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.mdpi.com/journal/proceedings__;!!D9dNQwwGXtA!Wl80BIWIl6zIaxHniXps7Q4EkDtQgZ_UyYafU1u9CgQMKRDxf0d696ULbcVnephoOiRt_85CgRG0iDDJXCU$ ).

We could conclude the same about the "quantum information theory", i.e. it
"is not a theory of information at all".

With respect,

Krassimir

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