Why Kolmogorov complexity in physical equations?

Citation
V. Kreinovich et L. Longpre, Why Kolmogorov complexity in physical equations?, INT J THEOR, 37(11), 1998, pp. 2791-2801
Citations number
6
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS
ISSN journal
00207748 → ACNP
Volume
37
Issue
11
Year of publication
1998
Pages
2791 - 2801
Database
ISI
SICI code
0020-7748(199811)37:11<2791:WKCIPE>2.0.ZU;2-W
Abstract
Several researchers, including M. Gell-Mann, argue that the notion of Kolmo gorov complexity developed in algorithmic information theory is useful in p hysics (i.e., in the description of the physical world). Their arguments ar e rather convincing, but there seems to be a gap between traditional physic al equations and Kolmogorov complexity: namely, it is not clear how the sta ndard equations of physics can lead to algorithmic notions underlying Kolmo gorov complexity. In this paper, this "gap" is bridged: we explain how Kolm ogorov complexity naturally appears in physical equations.