Quantum Physics
Illusion or Reality?
2nd Edition
Published on 7. October 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
170 pages
978-0-521-54266-1 (ISBN)
Description
Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement, and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.
Reviews / Votes
'Slim, lively, informal and immensely readable.' Paul Davies, The Times Higher Education Supplement 'Describes the profound mysteries of interpretation and philosophy which still shroud any understanding of the quantum world.' New ScientistMore details
Series
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
1 Tables, unspecified; 46 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 217 mm
Width: 139 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
230 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-54266-1 (9780521542661)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
03/2012
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€23.40
Shipment within 15-20 days
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2006
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€20.49
Available for download
Previous edition
Book
03/1994
Cambridge University Press
€14.84
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Alastair Rae has been a Lecturer, a Senior Lecturer, then Reader in Quantum Physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at University of Birmingham from 1967-2003.
Content
Preface to the second edition; Preface to the first edition; 1. Quantum physics; 2. Which way are the photons pointing?; 3. What can be hidden in a pair of photons?; 4. Wonderful Copenhagen?; 5. Is it all in the mind?; 6. Many worlds; 7. Is it a matter of size?; 8. Backwards and forwards; 9. Only one way forward?; 10. Can we be consistent?; 11. Illusion or reality?; Further reading.