In the Beginning was Information

A23: If we are talking about true laws of nature (true in the sensethat they are not merely what we assume to be laws of nature), thenthey are universally valid and unchangeable and they can never betoppled. Their main feature is that they are fixed. In their practicalimplementation the laws of nature cannot be proven in a mathematicalsense; but they are founded and refuting in character. Withtheir help we are able to make accurate predictions about the possibleand the impossible. For this reason, no invention which offendsa law of nature is accepted by a patent office (e. g. perpetua mobiliaoffend the principle of the conservation of energy).Assumed law of nature: a law which is often assumed to be a lawof nature but which in reality is no such thing, may be held as suchfor a period of time. However it can be toppled by an exampleshowing the opposite (falsification).True law of nature: These are true laws of nature which can neverbe toppled because examples of the opposite cannot exist. Thevalidity of a law of nature cannot be proven mathematically; howeverit is proven in continual observations.Q24: How many laws of nature are there?A24: The total number of laws of nature cannot be stated exactlyfor two reasons:1. We can never be sure whether we have recognised all phenomenareliant on the laws of nature.2. Sometimes a number of laws can be summed up in the frameworkof one superordinate standpoint. There is then no point in listing eachindividual law. The quest for the world formula which is often mentionedassumes that there is one formula which can express all ourlaws of nature. However this seems to be a utopian goal.Q25: Have you lectured on your concept of information as a law ofnature in front of specialists?A25: I have lectured on this topic in countless national and internationaluniversities. In June 1996 I also presented my concept at aninternational congress which was especially concerned with thediscussion on information [G18]. There was always a lively discussionand the specialists tried to find an example of the opposite(one example would be enough to topple an assumed law ofnature). A true law of nature cannot be toppled.132