THE FABRIC OF REALITY by David Deutsch. New York, NY: The Penguin Press,
1997. 366 pages, index and bibliography. Hardcover; $29.95.
One interpretation of the science of quantum mechanics is the theory of
multiple universes. One interpretation of the science of biology is
Darwinism, specifically as described and discussed by Richard Dawkins.
David Deutsch takes these two interpretations, and, intertwining them
with discussions of epistemology and the theory of computation concludes
that not only are these interpretations "true," but that they are true in
the sense that they describe the very "fabric of reality," and, hence,
are leading us close to a "Theory of Everything."
The book comes with words of high praise by Paul Davies, Frank Tipler,
Douglas Adams and others. Richard Dawkins and Frank Tipler are cited in
the acknowledgements section.
The book's subtitle is "The Science of Parallel Universes -- and Its
Implications." Following an introductory chapter, in which the book's
goals are set forth, Deutsch begins his arguments by a truly magnificent
description of the famous quantum light experiment, concluding that only
a "multiverse" explanation can possibly fit the observed data. As the
book progresses, he argues well for this particular explanation being the
cornerstone of an ultimate TOE (more than the relatively simple TOE that
physicists seek).
Whatever one thinks of the multiverse explanation, this book is worth
reading and ought to be in all college libraries. It is well-written,
interesting and entertaining. The author, a researcher at Oxford
University, has the credentials to be heard.
John W. Burgeson
IBM Corporation (retired)
Burgy@Compuserve.com