Quantum interfaces

Abstract

Rational agents acting as observers use ``knowables'' to construct a vision of the outside world. Thereby, they are bound by the information exchanged with what they consider to be objects. The cartesian cut or, in modern terminology, the interface mediating this exchange, is again a construction. It serves as a ``scaffolding,'' an intermediate construction capable of providing the necessary conceptual means. An attempt is made to formalize the interface, in particular the quantum interface and quantum measurements, by a symbolic information exchange. A principle of conservation of information is reviewed and a measure of information flux through the interface is proposed.