Einstein, Bohr and the Quantum DilemmaThe debate between Bohr and Einstein, which raged in the 1920s and 1930s, is still highly relevant today. It involved the two greatest physicists of the twentieth century and played a large part in Einstein's going into an effective scientific exile. The debate concerned the quantum theory, probably the most successful physical theory of all time. This book explores the details of the conflict, as well as its significance for contemporary views on the foundations of quantum theory. The author gives sympathetic accounts of the views of both Bohr and Einstein, and a thorough study of the argument between them. The book also includes nontechnical and nonmathematical accounts of the development of quantum theory and relativity, as well as the work of David Bohm and John Bell in the 1950s and 1960s that restored interest in Einstein's views. The author also includes a full account of the many current experimental and theoretical developments in quantum theory. |
Contents
Einstein and Bohr | 1 |
The peace before the quantum | 12 |
A glance at relativity | 73 |
The slow rise of the quantum | 90 |
what does it all mean? | 159 |
Einsteins negative views | 202 |
Bohm Bell and experimental philosophy | 244 |
A roundup of recent developments | 274 |
Bohr or Einstein? | 323 |
337 | |
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Common terms and phrases
actually angular momentum approach argument atomic behaviour Bell Bell's Bohm Bohm's Bohr Bohr-Einstein debate Bohr's Broglie called Chapter classical physics collapse complementarity concepts consider consistent histories Copenhagen interpretation correspondence principle corresponding course decay decoherence density-matrix described direction discussed effect eigenfunctions Einstein electromagnetic electron energy ensemble interpretation equal example experiment experimental explain fact frequency fundamental Gibbs ensemble give gravitational Heisenberg hidden variable theories hidden variables hydrogen ideas important interaction interference interpretation of quantum light macroscopic magnetic mass mathematical measurement mention molecules motion Neumann neutron neutron interferometer Newton's object observer obtained orbit orthodox oscillator particle particular photon physicists Planck polarisation position possible precise value predictions principle probability problem quantity quantum mechanics quantum number quantum Zeno quantum Zeno effect radiation relativity result Schrödinger equation seems slit special relativity speed spin statistical suggested temperature uncertainty uncertainty principle vector wave wave-function wavelength X-rays zero