Constructor Theory

A new fundamental theory of physics proposed by David Deutsch that expresses physical laws in terms of what physical transformations are possible and impossible.

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About Constructor Theory

Proposed by physicist David Deutsch, constructor theory aims to unify all branches of physics by focusing on what can and cannot be constructed from given resources.

Constructor Theory Concept

David Deutsch's Vision

Constructor theory is a proposal for a new mode of explanation in fundamental physics, first introduced by David Deutsch and Chiara Marletto in 2012. It shifts the focus from predicting what will happen to specifying what transformations of physical systems are possible and impossible, and why.

Unlike traditional physics which describes the world in terms of initial conditions and laws of motion, constructor theory describes the world in terms of tasks - possible physical transformations - and whether they can be performed.

"Constructor theory expresses all fundamental theories in terms of statements about which physical transformations are possible and which are impossible, and why."

— David Deutsch

Core Principles

Constructor theory is built on several foundational principles that distinguish it from conventional physics frameworks.

Tasks Over Trajectories

Instead of predicting trajectories of particles, constructor theory focuses on possible tasks (transformations) and whether they can be performed.

Counterfactuals

The theory deals with what could be possible, not just what actually happens, allowing a more fundamental understanding of physical laws.

Information as Fundamental

Information and computation are treated as fundamental physical entities, not just emergent phenomena.

Constructor Properties

Certain systems (constructors) can perform tasks while remaining essentially unchanged, a concept central to the theory.

Impossibility Principles

Laws are expressed as constraints on what transformations are impossible, rather than equations of motion.

Universality

The theory aims to provide a unified framework applicable across all scales from quantum to cosmological.

Potential Applications

Constructor theory offers new perspectives on fundamental problems across physics and beyond.

Physics Applications

  • Unification of quantum theory and general relativity

  • New understanding of thermodynamics and information

  • Fundamental limits of computation and measurement

  • Novel approach to the measurement problem in quantum mechanics

Beyond Physics

  • Foundation for a theory of life and biological evolution

  • New perspectives on knowledge creation and epistemology

  • Framework for understanding creativity and problem-solving

  • Potential applications in artificial intelligence and machine learning

Current Research Directions

While constructor theory is still in its early stages, researchers are exploring several promising directions:

Quantum Constructor Theory

Developing quantum versions of constructor-theoretic principles

Constructor Thermodynamics

Reformulating thermodynamics in constructor-theoretic terms

Constructor Information

Understanding information as a constructor-theoretic entity

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Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of constructor theory.

Key Papers

  • "Constructor Theory of Information" (2014)
  • "Constructor Theory of Probability" (2015)
  • "Constructor Theory of Life" (2017)
  • "The Constructor Theory of Thermodynamics" (2020)

Videos & Lectures

  • David Deutsch at the Royal Institution
  • Constructor Theory at Oxford University
  • Interview with Chiara Marletto
  • Constructor Theory Explained (Animation)

Research Groups

  • Oxford University Constructor Theory Group
  • Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
  • Santa Fe Institute Complex Systems
  • Constructor Theory Network

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