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What is Real?
The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreThe untold story of the heretical thinkers who challenged the establishment to rethink quantum physics and the nature of reality
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Description
Every physicist agrees quantum mechanics is among humanity's finest scientific achievements. But ask what it means, and the result will be a brawl. For a century, most physicists have followed Niels Bohr's Copenhagen interpretation and dismissed questions about the reality underlying quantum physics as meaningless.
A mishmash of solipsism and poor reasoning, Copenhagen endured, as Bohr's students vigorously protected his legacy, and the physics community favoured practical experiments over philosophical arguments. As a result, questioning the status quo long meant professional ruin.
And yet, from the 1920s to today, physicists like John Bell, David Bohm, and Hugh Everett persisted in seeking the true meaning of quantum mechanics. What is Real? is the gripping story of this battle of ideas and the courageous scientists who dared to stand up for truth.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
What is Real? by Adam Becker is praised for its engaging debut, providing vivid biographical portraits that make complex quantum theories accessible and entertaining. It is recognised for delivering a clear and insightful history of quantum foundations, making it a worthy introduction for those interested in the field.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781473661363
Publisher: John Murray Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 June 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: John Murray Publishers Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 25.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 270g
Pages: 384
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About the Author
Adam Becker is a science journalist with a PhD in astrophysics. He has written for the New York Times, BBC, NPR, Scientific American, New Scientist, Quanta and many other publications. His first book, What Is Real?, was a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice and was longlisted for the PEN Literary Science Writing Award. He has been a science journalism fellow at the Santa Fe Institute and a science communicator in residence at the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing. He lives in California.
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