The ghost in the atom
a discussion of the mysteries of quantum physics
by Paul Davies · first published 1986
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Quantum physics, born in the first quarter of this century, dominates modern physical science, yet this supremely successful theory is built on foundations that appear to defy common sense. The interpretation of the quantum theory, and the attempted resolution of its paradoxes, remain highly controversial. There has been a resurgence of interest in these fundamental issues, stimulated by the outcome of a key experiment in 1982 which seemed to contradict once and for all Einstein's belief that God does not play dice with the universe.
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…(philosophy) to science that helps towards actually answering the questions answerable. Feynman Lectures in Physics [3] and Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman [4], with no need to explain "how". :-) The Ghost in the Atom [5] for explaining varied views on the nature of science, especially Quantum Mechanics, and what goes in the minds of the top-notch scientists working on these problems. Parsing Techniques by Dick Grune…
on “Ask HN: What book impacted your life the most and how?” ↗Labyrinths of Reason, William Poundstone The Ghost in the Atom, P.C.W Davies The View from the Center of The Universe, Abrams and Primack Godel Escher Bach, Douglas Hofstadter The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz
on “Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before?” ↗…interpretations of quantum theory, which really is required to be a valid scientific theory. Moreover, there has never been much dogma around interpretations of quantum theory. A highly recommended read is Ghost in the Atom by Paul Davies, which consists of interviews with many physicists about their quantum interpretations. It shows that people have had a wide variety of interpretations for a long time. The many world interpretation…
on “Researchers looking for mRNA were ridiculed by colleagues” ↗