Einstein, Bohr, and the Quantum Dilemma

by Andrew Whitaker

Book Overview

The debate between Bohr and Einstein, which raged in the 1920s and 1930s, but which is still highly relevant today, involved the two greatest physicists of the twentieth century, and played a large... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521484286
• ISBN13: 9780521484282
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 367 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.8" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Excellent overview

For students of physics, professional physicists and interested lay persons this is undoubtedly the most complete and objective overview of the many 'interpretations' of quantum mechanics as of today. For those interested in looking "behind the mathematical formalism of QM" an absolute must read. One minor point of critique though: this book explicitly addresses lay persons (which is supposedly why you won't find many equations in the book). Although in chapters 2 - 4 prof Whitaker splendidly epitomizes the evolution of classical (with a glance at relativity) and quantum mechanics, I fear those readers not already familiar with physics may find this a little too terse (a lot of ground is covered in very few pages). Chapters 5 - 7 explaining the Bohr-Einstein debate and Bell's theorem are simply splendid reading for everyone. Chapter 8, rounding up recent developments, is very comprehensive, but again, the average lay person may find the summaries of quite a number of recent articles a bit tedious in the end (but ideal for students or physicists). Chapter 9 introduces quantum information theory, again a very good overview, but in my opinion a bit out of place and surely a subject that is worthy of a book on its own. All in all, there are many good popular science books out there explaining one or two QM interpretations, but this one covers them all, and it's absolutely the best explaining the Bohr-Einstein debate and the impact of Bell's theorem on this debate.

Superb history and introduction

This is not a textbook; it is a combined history and introduction to modern physics. It is clear, well written and a good starting point for anyone interested in Relativity or Quantum Theory.

A truly excellent book

I have found this to be an extremely helpful book due to my interests in physics. It is an interesting philosophical taint on a subject matter which is mostly fought in obscure mathematics. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in quantum physics philosophies.

Dillema is spelt "dilemma"

This book is an excellent introduction, summary of and history of the debate on interpretation of quantum theory, a subject which demands careful reading. As such, it may be read to profit by those interested in some of the twists and turns of "received opinion". It is not for those who might like their pages covered in equations (- the text discusses J S Bell's elucidation of Von Neumann's errors on the subject of hidden variable theories - a clear case where the mathematics concealed rather than revealed). The book is widely referenced which should have enough range of material to satisfy and extend readers at all levels. In my top ten on the subject area.