Explaining the Unobserved: Why Quantum Theory Ain't Only About Information

A remarkable theorem by Clifton, Bub and Halvorson (2003) (CBH) characterizes quantum theory in terms of information--theoretic principles. According to Bub (2004, 2005) the philosophical significance of the theorem is that quantum theory should be regarded as a ``principle'' theory about (quantum) information rather than a ``constructive'' theory about the dynamics of quantum systems. Here we criticize Bub's principle approach arguing that if the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics remains intact then there is no escape route from solving the measurement problem by constructive theories. We further propose a (Wigner--type) thought experiment that we argue demonstrates that quantum mechanics on the information--theoretic approach is incomplete

Quantum Hypercomputation - Hype or Computation?

A recent attempt to compute a (recursion--theoretic) non--computable function using the quantum adiabatic algorithm is criticized and found wanting. Quantum algorithms may outperform classical algorithms in some cases, but so far they retain the classical (recursion--theoretic) notion of computability. A speculation is then offered as to where the putative power of quantum computers may come from

Length Matters: The Einstein-Swann Correspondence and the Constructive Approach to Special Relativity

I discuss a rarely mentioned correspondence between Einstein and Swann on the constructive approach to the special theory of relativity, in which Einstein points out that the attempts to construct a dynamical explanation of relativistic kinematical effects require postulating a fundamental length scale in the level of the dynamics. I use this correspondence to shed light on several issues under dispute in current philosophy of spacetime that were highlighted recently in Harvey Brown's monograph Physical Relativity, namely, Einstein's view on the distinction between principle and constructive theories, and the consequences of pursuing the constructive approach in the context of spacetime theories

Who Makes the Choice? Artificial Neural Networks in Science and Non-Uniqueness

Machine learning techniques have become an essential part of many scientific inquiries, promoting novel discoveries. Here we distinguish between the output-oriented approach which regards neural networks as black boxes, and the feature-oriented approach which seeks to reveal and scientifically adopt the features captured by the network for the purpose of exploration and novelty. Focusing on the latter, we point at an issue of non-uniqueness when choosing between three types of features – mathematical, diagnostic, and real-world features. Scientists make choices among numerous features and rationalize their choices with background assumptions, but when aiming at exploration in an immature domain, rationalization neither justifies the choice nor guarantees that the chosen features are real. As a result, we propose that machine-captured features for this purpose should not be used as full-fledged evidence, but scientists should focus on the instrumental value of these features, such as refining existing descriptions or methods and inspiring future directions of research. We also suggest promoting the transparency of feature selection rationale and the plurality of choices

Endurance training slows breast tumor growth in mice by suppressing Treg cells recruitment to tumors

BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise has been shown to slow tumor progression in rodents and humans, but the mechanisms behind this effect are still unclear. Here we show that aerobic exercise in the form of chronic endurance training suppresses tumor recruitment of FoxP3+ Treg cells thus enhancing antitumor immune efficiency. METHODS: Adult wild-type and athymic BALB/c female mice were endurance-trained for 8 weeks. Circulating leukocytes as well as muscle and liver mtDNA copy number were compared to aged-matched concurrent sedentary controls to establish systemic effects. 4 T1 murine mammary tumor cells were injected subcutaneously to the 4th mammary pad at the end of the training period. Tumor growth and survival rates were compared, together with antitumor immune response. RESULTS: Exercised wild-type had 17% slower growth rate, 24% longer survival, and 2-fold tumor-CD+ 8/FoxP3+ ratio than sedentary controls. Exercised athymic BALB/c females showed no difference in tumor growth or survival rates when compared to sedentary controls. CONCLUSIONS: Cytotoxic T cells are a significant factor in endurance exercise-induced suppression of tumor growth. Endurance exercise enhances antitumor immune efficacy by increasing intratumoral CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio

Explaining the unobserved: why quantum mechanics is not only about information

A remarkable theorem by Clifton, Bub and Halvorson (2003)(CBH) characterizes quantum theory in terms of information--theoretic principles. According to Bub (2004, 2005) the philosophical significance of the theorem is that quantum theory should be regarded as a ``principle'' theory about (quantum) information rather than a ``constructive'' theory about the dynamics of quantum systems. Here we criticize Bub's principle approach arguing that if the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics remains intact then there is no escape route from solving the measurement problem by constructive theories. We further propose a (Wigner--type) thought experiment that we argue demonstrates that quantum mechanics on the information--theoretic approach is incomplete.Comment: 34 Page

Length Matters (I): The Einstein-Swann Correspondence and the Constructive Approach to STR

In this paper and its sequel I discuss a rarely mentioned correspondence between Einstein and W.F.G. Swann on the constructive approach to the special theory of relativity, in which Einstein points out that the attempts to construct a dynamical explanation of relativistic kinematical effects require postulating a minimal length scale in the level of the dynamics. I use this correspondence to shed light on several issues under dispute in current philosophy of spacetime that were highlighted recently in Harvey Brown's monograph "Physical Relativity", namely, Einstein's view on the distinction between principle and constructive theories, and the philosophical consequences of pursuing the constructive approach to the special theory of relativity