In 'The Science of Can and Can't', Chiara Marletto explores the fundamental limits of what is possible in our universe. Using groundbreaking concepts from physics, she delves into the nature of knowledge and the constraints of human understanding. Marletto introduces the intriguing idea of 'constructor theory', which reshapes our perception of reality and potentiality. With a blend of deep insight and accessible language, she invites readers to rethink the boundaries of science and imagination. Prepare to challenge your assumptions about the conceivable and the impossible as you embark on this fascinating intellectual journey!
By Chiara Marletto
Published: 2021
""The universe is not merely a collection of things; it is a dynamic interplay of possibilities, where understanding our limitations can illuminate the path to our greatest potentials.""
A luminous guide to how the radical new science of counterfactuals can reveal that the scope of the universe is greater, and more beautiful, than we ever imagined There is a vast class of things that science has so far almost entirely neglected. They are central to the understanding of physical reality both at an everyday level and at the level of the most fundamental phenomena in physics, yet have traditionally been assumed to be impossible to incorporate into fundamental scientific explanations. They are facts not about what is (the actual) but about what could be (counterfactuals). According to physicist Chiara Marletto, laws about things being possible or impossible may generate an alternative way of providing explanations. This fascinating, far-reaching approach holds promise for revolutionizing the way fundamental physics is formulated and for providing essential tools to face existing technological challenges--from delivering the next generation of information-processing devices beyond the universal quantum computer to designing AIs. Each chapter in the book delineates how an existing vexed open problem in science can be solved by this radically different approach and it is augmented by short fictional stories that explicate the main point of the chapter. As Marletto demonstrates, contemplating what is possible can give us a more complete and hopeful picture of the physical world.
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“"The universe is not merely a collection of things; it is a dynamic interplay of possibilities, where understanding our limitations can illuminate the path to our greatest potentials."”
The Science of Can and Can't
By Chiara Marletto
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Chiara Marletto is a prominent theoretical physicist and author, known for her insightful work in the field of quantum physics and complexity science. Her notable works include 'The Science of Can and Can’t: A Physicist’s Journey through the Land of Counterfactuals,' where she explores the nuances of possible worlds and the implications of quantum theory. Marletto's writing style is characterized by clarity and depth, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience. She is recognized not only for her scientific contributions but also for her ability to engage and inspire readers through her articulate prose.
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