Principle of maximum Fisher information from Hardy's axioms applied to statistical systems

B. Roy Frieden and Robert A. Gatenby
Phys. Rev. E 88, 042144 – Published 28 October 2013

Abstract

Consider a finite-sized, multidimensional system in parameter state a. The system is either at statistical equilibrium or general nonequilibrium, and may obey either classical or quantum physics. L. Hardy's mathematical axioms provide a basis for the physics obeyed by any such system. One axiom is that the number N of distinguishable states a in the system obeys N=max. This assumes that N is known as deterministic prior knowledge. However, most observed systems suffer statistical fluctuations, for which N is therefore only known approximately. Then what happens if the scope of the axiom N=max is extended to include such observed systems? It is found that the state a of the system must obey a principle of maximum Fisher information, I=Imax. This is important because many physical laws have been derived, assuming as a working hypothesis that I=Imax. These derivations include uses of the principle of extreme physical information (EPI). Examples of such derivations were of the De Broglie wave hypothesis, quantum wave equations, Maxwell's equations, new laws of biology (e.g., of Coulomb force-directed cell development and of in situ cancer growth), and new laws of economic fluctuation and investment. That the principle I=Imax itself derives from suitably extended Hardy axioms thereby eliminates its need to be assumed in these derivations. Thus, uses of I=Imax and EPI express physics at its most fundamental level, its axiomatic basis in math.

  • Received 13 August 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.88.042144

©2013 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

B. Roy Frieden

  • College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA

Robert A. Gatenby

  • Mathematical Oncology and Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 88, Iss. 4 — October 2013

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×