Quantum Drama: From the Bohr-Einstein Debate to the Riddle of Entanglement
Product ID: 570318545
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The definitive account of the great Bohr-Einstein debate and its continuing legacy In 1927, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein began a debate about the interpretation and meaning of the new quantum theory. This would become one of the most famous debates in the history of science. At stake were an understanding of the purpose, and defense of the integrity, of science. What (if any) limits should we place on our expectations for what science can tell us about physical reality? Our protagonists slowly disappeared from the vanguard of physics, as its centre of gravity shifted from a war-ravaged Continental Europe to a bold, pragmatic, post-war America. What Einstein and Bohr had considered to be matters of the utmost importance were now set aside. Their debate was regarded either as settled in Bohr's favour or as superfluous to real physics. But the debate was not resolved. The problems of interpretation and meaning persisted, at least in the minds of a few stubborn physicists, such as David Bohm and John Bell, who refused to stop asking awkward questions. The Bohr-Einstein debate was rejoined, now with a new set of protagonists, on a small scale at first. Through their efforts, the debate was revealed to be about physics after all. Their questions did indeed have answers that could be found in a laboratory. As quantum entanglement became a real physical phenomenon, whole new disciplines were established, such as quantum computing, teleportation, and cryptography. The efforts of the experimentalists were rewarded with shares in the 2022 Nobel prize in physics. As Quantum Drama reveals, science owes a large debt to those who kept the discussions going against the apathy and indifference of most physicists before definitive experimental inquiries became possible. Although experiment moved the Bohr-Einstein debate to a new level and drew many into foundational research, it has by no means removed or resolved the fundamental question. There will be no Nobel prize for an answer. That will not shut off discussion. Our Drama will continue beyond our telling of it and is unlikely to reach its final scene before science ceases or the world ends. Review: Finally, a nicely written work on the ongoing quantum drama - First, the hardcover is beautifully produced. Here you won't find an extensive history of Quantum Mechanics (like Helge Kragh's book or Jagdish Mehra's book) but nonetheless a brilliantly captured (succinct by modern standards) history of QM. This is beautifully written and a partially technical account (but not to fear from and only lightly tread on the symbolic manifestations in the book) of Quantum Mechanics. It is eminently accessible to anyone of any background and requires at most high-school math to understand it. Patience is a virtue, and my advice is to read it slowly, carefully and savour it. It is probably the best recent exposition of the history and epic struggles of Quantum Mechanics, and its accompanying interpretations and dialogues. A philosophically inclined work, and as the title suggests, a Quantum Drama. Both authors are highly regarded writers My only criticism is that it was more dense with historical development, as the reference section is huge and takes up a fifth, maybe. Too late for that, as Heilbron is now deceased. Review: Entertaining and Informative - I really like the way the authors include some of the historical international government politics as background to the drama. Most of the historical recounts of the development of quantum theory leave this out. Although most top scientist are apolitical, the world they work in is not; and it does influence the history of their work. I grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico so I already had a good background in this area, but I learned a lot. A good read!
| Best Sellers Rank | #648,669 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #490 in Quantum Theory (Books) #1,801 in History & Philosophy of Science (Books) #3,678 in Science & Mathematics |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 85 Reviews |
T**R
Finally, a nicely written work on the ongoing quantum drama
First, the hardcover is beautifully produced. Here you won't find an extensive history of Quantum Mechanics (like Helge Kragh's book or Jagdish Mehra's book) but nonetheless a brilliantly captured (succinct by modern standards) history of QM. This is beautifully written and a partially technical account (but not to fear from and only lightly tread on the symbolic manifestations in the book) of Quantum Mechanics. It is eminently accessible to anyone of any background and requires at most high-school math to understand it. Patience is a virtue, and my advice is to read it slowly, carefully and savour it. It is probably the best recent exposition of the history and epic struggles of Quantum Mechanics, and its accompanying interpretations and dialogues. A philosophically inclined work, and as the title suggests, a Quantum Drama. Both authors are highly regarded writers My only criticism is that it was more dense with historical development, as the reference section is huge and takes up a fifth, maybe. Too late for that, as Heilbron is now deceased.
A**R
Entertaining and Informative
I really like the way the authors include some of the historical international government politics as background to the drama. Most of the historical recounts of the development of quantum theory leave this out. Although most top scientist are apolitical, the world they work in is not; and it does influence the history of their work. I grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico so I already had a good background in this area, but I learned a lot. A good read!
S**R
A very difficult but well worthwhile read.
Almost all of us avoid real science when reading about it and I certainly include my efforts among them. However, quantum mechanics and its bastard child, AI, are about to take over the world. So I made the effort to scratch the surface of what quantum mechanics says about our consciousness and how it is so strangely different than the world of classical mechanics. Since this narrative is cast as the intellectual struggle of classical mechanics with quantum mechanics, we get an informative history of the last 125 years of real intellectual insights. Well worth the effort and be sure to feed the cat.
E**D
Background in Physics and the History of Physics Required
This is not a popular history of science book. The authors assume the reader will have a high level of knowledge regarding quantum mechanics and its history. Therefore, they do not provide any explanations of the concepts they present. The writing style is quite academic as well.
T**R
The development of quantum mechanics as a history of personal quests.
This is a superb exposition of the development of quantum mechanics. It captured the excitement and suspense found in the arguments among all the scientists and philosophers who have played a part. It was especially good at exposing the implications of the discoveries they made along the way, as well as showing them as people with their own personalities--I also enjoyed the subtle humor authors displayed in their characterizations.
G**E
I understand better the quantum mechanics debate.
The book real helped me understand better the quantum mechanics debate. Lots of math equations which I got a little lost in. The equations were very well explained. I loved reading about the personality.
G**N
Politics of quantum theory with too much other politics
One of the worst popular science books I ever read - too much politics, too erratic flow, all colored too much with authors' bias. Try Gamow instead.
D**Y
Has Potential for the Expert
My Quantum Mechanics is limited to my PhD written exams, and that was ages ago. I thought this would be useful for the arguments between Bohr and Einstein and have historical context. However the author has written an exceptionally detailed work carrying on from before the start of the arguments up to the present time. It demands that the reader have some current Quantum Mechanics depth and currency to grasp all the detail. As a well done historical work I assume if it exceptional. However, In my opinion one must approach this with more than a passing understanding.
D**.
A marvellous history of the origins of quantum physics
As someone with a physics background I have read numerous books on quantum mechanics, as well as biographies of some of the key players. However, in this book the author has managed to dig out all sorts of details about which I was ignorant, and I found it all fascinating. Moreover, despite the book reading almost like a detective story, and despite 100 years having gone by (or 121, depending on when you start to count), we still don't know "who dun it"! Anyone with an interest in the topic is bound to enjoy reading this book.
I**C
A dramatic period in the world of science brought to life
It is a really interesting historical and important interaction for the realm of Physics which has been brought to life as an engaging drama of people, relationships, the debates and disagreements arising as a result of the challenges of working on areas which have been hitherto unexplored. So well written and a book to involve the reader in the drama. Loving it!!
H**S
Fascinating and insightful
Excellent and fascinating read. Must admit I had to read it twice to be sure I took it in ! Gotta hand it to Einstein - he so clearly deserves and has to be right, even though he got it wrong !
C**O
Entanglement - the most strange behaviour
to be read next month. Hope it will be interesting lecture K
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