The Mystery of the Quantum World

Description

Quantum mechanics stands as one of the most remarkable achievements of the 20th century, providing startling insight into the nature of matter and a spectacularly successful predictive theory. However, while the predictive ability of the quantum theory has been rigorously tested time and again, so that it now satisfies any criterion of reliability as a tool of scientific inquiry, fundamental difficulties remain with its interpretation. The Mystery of the Quantum World, Second Edition introduces the philosophical issues raised by the success of the quantum theory and lucidly outlines the different points of view adopted by various physicists striving to understand the meaning underlying the theories used every day. The author encourages you to see how the most successful of physical theories is relevant to issues outside physics. Revised and expanded, this edition includes a new chapter that introduces the most important of the recent developments in quantum theory. The authoritative selection of topics ensures that readers already familiar with the first edition of the book will extend their knowledge of quantum theory, and those with no previous knowledge acquire an insight into this fascinating world. EEn The Mystery of the Quantum World Chapter One - Reality in the Quantum World Chapter Two - Quantum Theory Chapter Three - Quantum Theory and External Reality Chapter Four - Consciousness Chapter Five - Hidden Variables and Non-locality Chapter Six - The Mysteries of the Quantum World Chapter Seven - Recent Developments Appendix 1 - The Potential Barrier in Classical Mechanics Appendix 2 - A Romantic Interlude Appendix 3 - The Probability Function Appendix 4 - The Wavefunction Appendix 5 - The Hydrogen Atom Appendix 6 - Interference, Macroscopic States and Orthogonality Appendix 7 - A Gambling Interlude Appendix 8 - Spin Appendix 9 - A Music Hall Interlude Index