Jaynes's maximum entropy principle (MEP) is analyzed by considering in detail a recent controversy. Emphasis is placed on the inductive logical interpretation of “probability” and the concept of “total knowledge.” The relation of the MEP to relative frequencies is discussed, and a possible realm of its fruitful application is noted.

It is assumed that experiments yield results that are not isomorphic with reality, but represent a distorted image of reality. Reality is related to observation via a communication channel of finite capacity. Quantum uncertainties are due to the bound on the amount of information available. Use is made of recent results from information and communication theories.

Recently it has been shown that the classical “stick and ball” viewpoint of molecules is inconsistent with quantum theory (QT). We suggest an unusual reconciliation: The QT state is not a physical property, but instead reflects our state of knowledge about observable aspects of “reality.” We show how this perspective is nevertheless objective. Applied to molecules, the view permits “structure” to exist only when observable evidence is compatible with this feature. Typically one must replace the a priori model (in particular, (...) the dynamical generator) with one consistent with the evidence. We show that such “structure” is stable in the context of first-order perturbation theory. We also indicate how dynamics can be inferred from scattering data—a process alternative to postulating (field-theoretic) models for “environment.”. (shrink)

A highly abstracted theory of measurement is synthesized from classical measurement theory, fuzzy set theory, generalized information theory, and predicate calculus. The theory does not require specific truth value concepts, nor does it specify what subsets of the reals can be observed, thus avoiding the usual fundamental difficulties. Problems such as the definition of systems, the significance of observations, numerical scales and observables, etc. are examined. The general logico-algebraic approach to quantum/classical physics is justified as a special case of measurement (...) theory. (shrink)

We present a holistic description of physical systems and how they relate to observations. The “theory” is established (geometrically) as a “classical random field theory.” The basic system variables are related to Lie group generators: the conjugate variables define observer parameters. The dichotomy between system and observer leads to acommunication channel relationship. The distortion measure on the channel distinguishes “classical” from “quantum” theories. The experiment is defined in terms that accommodate precision and unreliability. Information theory methods permit stochastic inference (this (...) includes “inverse scattering”) and prediction based on realistic data. (shrink)