Quantum Confusions

Beschreibung

This book does not simply tell a story about the development of quantum mechanics, but clarifies our ideas about its meaning by discussing the many misunderstandings that one finds in the scientific literature. For instance, Erwin Schrödinger never thought that his cat was both dead and alive; that example was meant to be a reductio ad absurdum of the quantum orthodoxy. Most people believe that Bohr won his many debates with Einstein, but this book argues that Bohr never really understood Einstein’s objections. Louis de Broglie’s ideas about pilot waves were summarily dismissed at the 1927 Solvay Conference, which led him to abandon his own theory; he was, however, ahead of his time in some ways. One of history’s greatest mathematicians, John von Neumann, claimed to have a rigorous proof that quantum mechanics was “complete”, and many physicists took his result for granted, although he did not prove what he believed to have proven. In 1952, David Bohm rediscovered de Broglie's theory and extended it, but he was ignored due to reasons both ideological and political. John Bell actually proved that the world is nonlocal, but even now his work remains widely misunderstood. The target audience for this non-technical book includes undergraduate students (and above) in physics, mathematics, or history and philosophy of science, and even interested lay readers. 

This book does not simply tell a story about the development of quantum mechanics, but clarifies our ideas about its meaning by discussing the many misunderstandings that one finds in the scientific literature. For instance, Erwin Schrödinger never thought that his cat was both dead and alive; that example was meant to be a reductio ad absurdum of the quantum orthodoxy. Most people believe that Bohr won his many debates with Einstein, but this book argues that Bohr never really understood Einstein’s objections. Louis de Broglie’s ideas about pilot waves were summarily dismissed at the 1927 Solvay Conference, which led him to abandon his own theory; he was, however, ahead of his time in some ways. One of history’s greatest mathematicians, John von Neumann, claimed to have a rigorous proof that quantum mechanics was “complete”, and many physicists took his result for granted, although he did not prove what he believed to have proven. In 1952, David Bohm rediscovered de Broglie's theory and extended it, but he was ignored due to reasons both ideological and political. John Bell actually proved that the world is nonlocal, but even now his work remains widely misunderstood. The target audience for this non-technical book includes undergraduate students (and above) in physics, mathematics, or history and philosophy of science, and even interested lay readers. 

Autor*in

Jean Bricmont

Themen in »Quantum Confusions«

Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics Meaning of the Wave Function Bell's Inequalities and Nonlocality Hidden Variables Einstein Podolsky Rosen "Paradox" and its Misunderstandings Schrödinger's cat pilot wave theory de Broglie–Bohm theory history of quantum mechanics philosophy of quantum mechanics

Stimmen zu »Quantum Confusions«

“In the history of science, each century had its own set of errors, misunderstandings, and confusions, and the present age is no different. In fact, what modern physics textbooks say about the interpretation of quantum mechanics is rather obscure and incomprehensible. Why? Because they echo the opinions of leading physicists of the 20th century. So it is high time to clear up their confusions and get to the bottom of who was right about what. Bricmont does that – in a masterly, acute, and eye-opening way.” (Roderich Tumulka, University of Tübingen)

“This book is an expertly-guided tour of the controversies, surrounding the physical meaning of quantum theory, that have plagued our physics for more than 100 years.  Bricmont brings a surgeon's careful precision to diagnosing and treating long-standing confusions and misconceptions, and he applies heavy doses of the best disinfectant: sunlight.  But the author also demonstrates a good doctor's light touch and gentle humanity, always keeping things crisp and to the point, and including historical context and biographical anecdotes that really bring the story to life.  Without a doubt, this is an absolutely essential part of the cure for what ails us!” (Travis Norsen, Smith College)

“For over one hundred years there has been ample confusion, misunderstanding and wilful refusal to take quantum theory seriously as a theory of reality. So many contradictory claims have been made concerning what quantum theory has taught us that it is not surprising that it is shrouded in mystery. Now, Bricmont has provided a clear analysis of the origins of the confusion, showing that many of the more outlandish claims are not forced upon us by quantum theory itself but are the result of a refusal to take seriously viable alternatives to the dominant quantum orthodoxy. We don’t need to ‘shut up and calculate’; rather we can engage seriously with what quantum theory tells us about reality. Bricmont establishes higher ground from which to survey the full landscape of quantum interpretation, exposing the false paths that can lead us into the wilderness. A better guide would be hard to find.” (Chris Dewdney, University of Portsmouth)

“Quantum Confusions is a rare and invaluable contribution to the literature on the foundations of quantum mechanics. With clarity, rigor, and historical depth, Jean Bricmont guides the reader through the conceptual labyrinth that has surrounded quantum theory since its birth. Rather than merely recounting technical developments, he illuminates the philosophical tensions, misunderstandings, and intellectual struggles that shaped the field. What makes this book exceptional is its balanced combination of accessibility and precision. Bricmont explains complex ideas without oversimplification, and he situates debates—between Bohr and Einstein, over hidden variables, nonlocality, and the measurement problem—within their proper historical and conceptual context. Even when taking a clear position, he presents opposing views fairly and thoughtfully. For students, physicists, philosophers and historians of science, and anyone serious about understanding what quantum mechanics really says about reality, Quantum Confusions is both enlightening and indispensable. It challenges readers not only to learn quantum mechanics, but to question what it truly means.” (Valia Allori, University of Bergamo)

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