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Exploring the Connection Between Time Perception and Quantum Computation
“In a sense, Nature has been continually computing the ‘next state’ of the Universe for billions of years; all we have to do — and actually all we can do — is ‘hitch a ride’ on this huge ongoing [quantum] computation.” — Tommaso Toffoli
In the fascinating intersection of quantum computing and the human experience of time lies a groundbreaking theory that challenges our conventional narratives: the D-Theory of Time. This theory proposes a revolutionary perspective on time not as fundamental but as an emergent phenomenon arising from the quantum mechanical fabric of the universe.
In my new book Temporal Mechanics: D-Theory as a Critical Upgrade to Our Understanding of the Nature of Time (2025), I defend the D-Theory of Time, predicated or reversible quantum computing at large, which represents a novel framework that challenges our conventional understanding of time and computing. Here, we explore the foundational principles of D-Theory, its implications for reversible quantum computing, and how it could potentially revolutionize our approach to computing, information processing, and our understanding of the universe.
At its core, D-Theory suggests that time may not be a fundamental aspect of the universe but rather an emergent property arising from the interactions of more basic entities or processes. Time symmetry, in physics, refers to the principle that the fundamental laws governing the universe are invariant, or unchanged, when the direction of time is reversed. Given extra degrees of freedom, time is not a linear, unidirectional flow but a set of dimensions that can be traversed in both directions, akin to spatial dimensions. This perspective aligns with the concept of reversible quantum computing, where operations are not only forward but can also be reversed, preserving quantum information, and potentially enabling universal computations that are far beyond the capabilities of classical computing.
As you may know, reversible quantum computing is a paradigm that extends the conventional model of quantum computing by ensuring that every computational step is…
