# Aspects of Computability in Physics

**Authors:** Joseph Shipman  
**arXiv:** [math/9711204](https://arxiv.org/abs/math/9711204)  
**Date:** 1997-11-25  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/math--9711204v1/

## Key points

- Joseph Shipman's "Aspects of Computability in Physics" explores the connections between physics and computation
- Computational "hardness" of physical systems
- Computational status of fundamental theories
- Quantum computation
- Universe as a computer
- One key area of focus is the concept of computational hardness in physical systems, which refers to the difficulty in simulating certain physical phenomena using classical computers.
- Shipman examines how this relates to fundamental theories in physics such as string theory and how it could potentially impact fields like cryptography and simulation.
- Quantum computation takes advantage of quantum mechanical phenomena to perform computations that would be difficult or impossible for classical computers.
- Shipman discusses its potential applications and implications for our understanding of both physics and computation.
- Finally, Shipman explores the idea that the Universe itself could be thought of as a computer, raising interesting questions about the nature of reality and our understanding of physics.

## Summary

In "Aspects of Computability in Physics," Joseph Shipman explores the connections between physics and computation, delving into their implications. The paper covers a range of topics, including the computational "hardness" of physical systems, the computational status of fundamental theories, quantum computation, and even the idea of the Universe as a computer. One key area of focus is the concept of computational hardness in physical systems. This refers to the difficulty in simulating certain physical phenomena using classical computers. For example, some problems related to quantum mechanics are believed to be computationally hard for classical computers to solve efficiently. Shipman also examines how this relates to fundamental theories in physics such as string theory and how it could potentially impact fields like cryptography and simulation. Quantum computation takes advantage of quantum mechanical phenomena to perform computations that would be difficult or impossible for classical computers. Shipman discusses its potential applications and implications for our understanding of both physics and computation. Finally, Shipman explores the idea that the Universe itself could be thought of as a computer. While this idea remains speculative, it raises interesting questions about the nature of reality and our understanding of physics. Overall, "Aspects of Computability in Physics" offers an insightful exploration into how physics and computation intersect and what implications this might have for our understanding of both fields.