This book presents an excellent, relatively simple, explanation of quantum mechanics for the layperson. It explores the implications of Einstein's "spooky action at a distance" without wandering too far into mysticism. If you are interested in the possibilities of a "conscious universe" but turned-
Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness (Second edition)
β Scribed by Bruce Rosenblum, Fred Kuttner
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press, USA
- Year
- 2011
- Tongue
- English
- Leaves
- 300
- Edition
- 2nd
- Category
- Library
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
β¦ Synopsis
In trying to understand the atom, physicists built quantum mechanics, the most successful theory in science and the basis of one-third of our economy. They found, to their embarrassment, that with their theory, physics encounters consciousness. Authors Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner explain all this in non-technical terms with help from some fanciful stories and anecdotes about the theory's developers. They present the quantum mystery honestly, emphasizing what is and what is not speculation. Quantum Enigma's description of the experimental quantum facts, and the quantum theory explaining them, is undisputed. Interpreting what it all means, however, is heatedly controversial. But every interpretation of quantum physics involves consciousness. Rosenblum and Kuttner therefore turn to exploring consciousness itself--and encounter quantum mechanics. Free will and anthropic principles become crucial issues, and the connection of consciousness with the cosmos suggested by some leading quantum cosmologists is mind-blowing. Readers are brought to a boundary where the particular expertise of physicists is no longer the only sure guide. They will find, instead, the facts and hints provided by quantum mechanics and the ability to speculate for themselves. In the few decades since the Bell's theorem experiments established the existence of entanglement (Einstein's "spooky action"), interest in the foundations, and the mysteries, of quantum mechanics has accelerated. In recent years, physicists, philosophers, computer engineers, and even biologists have expanded our realization of the significance of quantum phenomena. This second edition includes such advances. The authors have also drawn on many responses from readers and instructors to improve the clarity of the book's explanations.
β¦ Table of Contents
Cover......Page 1
Contents......Page 10
Preface to the Second Edition......Page 12
1 Einstein Called It βSpookyβ: And I Wish I Had Known......Page 16
2 The Visit to Neg Ahne Poc: A Quantum Parable......Page 24
3 Our Newtonian Worldview: A Universal Law of Motion......Page 34
4 All the Rest of Classical Physics......Page 52
Hello Quantum Mechanics......Page 66
5 How the Quantum Was Forced on Physics......Page 68
6 SchrΓΆdingerβs Equation: The New Universal Law of Motion......Page 86
7 The Two-Slit Experiment: The Observer Problem......Page 100
8 Our Skeleton in the Closet......Page 114
9 One-Third of Our Economy......Page 128
10 Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen......Page 138
11 SchrΓΆdingerβs Controversial Cat......Page 156
12 Seeking a Real World: EPR......Page 168
13 Spooky Actions: Bellβs Theorem......Page 186
14 Experimental Metaphysics......Page 206
15 Whatβs Going On? Interpreting the Quantum Enigma......Page 216
16 The Mystery of Consciousness......Page 234
17 The Mystery Meets the Enigma......Page 250
18 Consciousness and the Quantum Cosmos......Page 270
Suggested Reading......Page 284
B......Page 288
C......Page 289
D......Page 290
E......Page 291
G......Page 292
J......Page 293
M......Page 294
O......Page 295
P......Page 296
Q......Page 297
S......Page 298
T......Page 299
Z......Page 300
β¦ Subjects
Π€ΠΈΠ·ΠΈΠΊΠ°;ΠΠ²Π°Π½ΡΠΎΠ²Π°Ρ ΡΠΈΠ·ΠΈΠΊΠ°;
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