Quantum Computing Since Democritus

This book takes readers on a tour of some of the deepest and most fascinating ideas in math, computer science, and physics. It begins with an exploration of Democritus' views on atoms and develops a theory of computation based on those views. The book then goes on to discuss Newcombs Paradox, the anthropic principle, and the arguments of Roger Penrose. Chapters on logic, set theory, computability theory, complexity theory, quantum computing and cryptography are included as well. Aaronson's informal style makes his thought-provoking theories accessible to anyone with a scientific background or interest in physics or computer science.