Binding: Hardcover
Description: 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.
Title: Quantum Drama From The Bohr - Einstein Debate To The Riddle Of Entanglement
Author(s): Heilbron Prof John L. (Professor Emeritus Of History Professor Emeritus Of History University Of California Berkeley)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Barcode: 9780192846105
Pages: 352 Pages, 19 Figures And 15 Photos
Publication Date: 7/25/2024
Category: Quantum Physics (Quantum Mechanics & Quantum Field Theory)