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Title: Trivializes quantum mechanics
Review: I haven't read the whole book (and don't intend to). Intrigued by some comments in this forum, I read the 10 or so pages that discuss quantum mechanics. A well known theorem (Bell's theorem) says that no local realistic theory can mimic QM. "Local" means no faster-than-light communication, and "realistic" means physical quantities exist at all times. It's weird, but true, that a correct theory cannot have both of these features. Many experiments have tested Bell's theorem (it passes).Wolfram's cellular automata theory is realistic, so it must be nonlocal. He admits as much (near p. 545, or so), claiming that there are non spatial "threads" connecting separated objects. This is a revolutionary claim for which he provides no motivation, evidence, or predictions. In the notes section he dismisses the issue as not significant. This will come as a great surprise to the many distinguished physicists who regard it as the most unsettling feature of QM.
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