Quantum Computing since Democritus

Written by noted quantum computing theorist Scott Aaronson this book takes readers on a tour through some of the deepest ideas of maths computer science and physics. Full of insights arguments and philosophical perspectives the book covers an amazing array of topics. Beginning in antiquity with Democritus it progresses through logic and set theory computability and complexity theory quantum computing cryptography the information content of quantum states and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. There are also extended discussions about time travel Newcomb's Paradox the anthropic principle and the views of Roger Penrose. Aaronson's informal style makes this fascinating book accessible to readers with scientific backgrounds as well as students and researchers working in physics computer science mathematics and philosophy.