Quantum enigma
Subtitle: physics encounters consciousness
By: Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner.
Contributors: Kuttner, Fred.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2006
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 211
ISBN-13: 9780195175592
Subjects: Quantum theory; Science -- Philosophy
Description: "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". --Publisher.
Table of contents: title: Einstein called it "Spooky"; title: The visit to Neg Ahne Poc: a quantum parable; title: The Newtonian worldview: a universal law of motion; title: All the rest of classical physics; title: Hello quantum mechanics; title: How the quantum was forced on physics; title: Schrödinger's equation: the new universal law of motion; title: One third of our economy; title: Our skeleton in the closet; title: Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen; title: Schrödinger's controversial cat; title: Seeking a real world: EPR; title: The spooky influences: Bell's theorem; title: What's going on?: Interpreting the quantum enigma; title: The mystery of consciousness; title: The mystery meets the enigma; title: Consciousness and the quantum cosmos.