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The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes

By: Benjamin Schumacher, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Benjamin Schumacher
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Publisher's Summary

The science of information is the most influential, yet perhaps least appreciated field in science today. Never before in history have we been able to acquire, record, communicate, and use information in so many different forms. This revolution goes far beyond the limitless content that fills our lives, because information also underlies our understanding of ourselves, the natural world, and the universe. Little wonder that an entirely new science has arisen that is devoted to deepening our understanding of information and our ability to use it.

The study and acquisition of information has been around a long time. In human terms, spoken language, writing, art, music, and mathematics are perfect examples; so are Morse code, Mendelian genetics, and radio signals - all understood and used before 1900. But a series of conceptual breakthroughs in the 20th century united what seemed like unrelated phenomena and led to a dramatic new way of looking at reality. Called information theory, this field has been responsible for path-breaking insights.

The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes covers the exciting concepts, history, and applications of information theory in 24 challenging and eye-opening half-hour lectures taught by Professor Benjamin Schumacher of Kenyon College. A prominent physicist and award-winning educator at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, Professor Schumacher is also a pioneer in the field of quantum information, which is the latest exciting development in this dynamic scientific field.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes

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Absolutely loved this

Challenging ideas and the most enthusiastic lecturer I have ever heard. No maths required. Information is more interesting than you might think. Listen to this.

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Is information even informative?

Exceptional presentation by a person with significant expert knowledge. An emphasis is placed on the relationships, and downstream outcomes, of information and human existence.

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Good but a bit too theory based

A bit too theory based for an audio book I think. Decent amount of equations and writing on the board.

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A hit from bit

Benjamin Schumacher is fantastic. A must listen tour of the information universe. He is the perfect guide.

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Great overview of Information Theory

I enjoyed both the delivery and the content of the course. As often when listening to the Great Courses as an audiobook there is a slight disadvantage because of the lack of visual aides but this did not at all take away from the course. I would have liked to learn a bit more about Dr. Schumacher’s own research but that wasn’t a primary part of the content.

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