Beyond Measure: Modern Physics, Philosophy, and the Meaning of Quantum Theory by Jim Baggott (PDF)

Description

Quantum theory is one the most important and successful theories of modern physical science. It has been estimated that its principles form the basis for about 30 per cent of the world’s manufacturing economy. This is all the more remarkable because quantum theory is a theory that nobody understands. The meaning of Quantum Theory introduces science students to the theory’s fundamental conceptual and philosophical problems, and the basis of its non-understandability. It does this with the barest minimum of jargon and very little mathematics in the main text. Readers wishing to delve more deeply into the theory’s mathematical subtleties can do so in an extended series of appendices. The book brings the reader up to date with the results of new experimental tests of quantum weirdness and reviews the latest thinking on alternative interpretations, the frontiers of quantum cosmology, quantum gravity and potential application of this weirdness in computing, cryptography andteleportation.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “This lucid account offers an excellent starting point for readers who wish to gain some understanding of the strangeness of quantum mechanics.”–Science About the Author Dr James Baggott 199 Beech Lane, Earley, Reading RG6 5UP 07775 940 256 0118 9212 134 jim@logosconsulting.co.uk The author has written many popular science articles for newspapers (Independent, Daily Telegraph) and popular science magazines such as New Scientist. He has also appeared on a couple of radio programmes dealing with quantum theory (the last time for a series aired on BBC Radio 4 in late 1999).

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐The finest presentation of the history, conceptual and philosophical issues, experimental basis, and interpretations of quantum mechanics that one is likely to find in print. Beautifully clear in exposition, and disinterestedly fair in presenting the spectrum of interpretations and alternative theories, whether they be tainted with metaphysics as the last bastion of the realist, or they offer little explanatory-satisfaction given the rejection of that role in science by the positivist. De facto, the book to read as a primer to a text.The only (slightly) negative critique I can make is that, in the discussion of the philosophy of Hume, Leibniz, Kant, Realist vs Positivist [.etc..],… Baggott misses an opportunity to associate Kant’s profound epistemology to the non-intuitive nature of QM. Which is to point out that rather than our core concepts [space, time, causality, separability, locality, simultaneity,…] having been derived from experience, they are rather a-priori conditions for [macroscopic] experience to be possible in the first place; they are hard-wired forms of understanding given the nature of mind. Our minds evolved to synthesize macroscopic experience for the understanding,… and therefore is equipped with an artificial conceptual framework, one not consistently compatible with microscopic reality. The act of observation necessarily conforms the otherwise formless underlying reality within our a-priori concepts, … resulting in inconsistencies, This formless independent underlying reality is objective but unknowable in itself, ….Kant’s Noumenon. John von Neumann was correct to place the collapse of the wavefunction in consciousness [mind]. An epistemological explanation to the measurement problem is orders of magnitude more scientific than any unobservable metaphysical one, as the mind in principal can be investigated, while the multi-verse or guiding waves, etc, can not.

⭐4 Stars because the clarity of Baggott’s and Atkins’ work is beyond compare. The layman can read this textbook and come away with a substantial bosy of knowledge about the subject. HOWEVER, I read the Kindle version and it sucks…. I doubt it has been proofread at all. The formatting is way off kilter, especially at chapter headings and footnotes. So much for computerized reformatting. On the other hand, if you want to read this book, as I did, without paying in excess of a hundred dollars for either the hardback or paperback version, this version at $9.99 is a godsend….

⭐Jim Baggott has done a great job of going through non-relativistic, with a smattering of relativistic, quantum mechanics. In the book’s appendices there are clear, and concise mathematical explanations of the basic framework of quantum mechanics that anyone, with a working knowledge of algebra, should have no problems with. The book doesn’t just deal with the physics of quantum mechanics, but also touches on the philosophical interpretations of what it may mean. It does all of this in an accessible way, without getting over-technical, and without getting airy fairy. This book always remains grounded in science, and I would recommend it to any lay person interested in learning more about quantum mechanics, and especially to college students taking courses in quantum mechanics. And for that matter, I think post-graduates will find this book an interesting, and rewarding read too.

⭐Two thumbs up (in superpostion)! By far the best overview of Quantum theory that I’ve read thus far (out of 10 books). The author doesn’t pick and choose from the competing interpretations of QT to advance an agenda, (philosophical, social, political, or scientific). QT development is presented in its historical context with all the resistance that accompanies new theories. Alternatives to the orthodox Copenhagen interpretation are fairly presented. All the mathematics are thankfully placed in appendices at the end of the book. Still, some of the text explaining experimental setup and reasoning was too technical for me, but I grasped the gist of the “interpretation.” The meaning of QT is still being debated. The many interpretations articulated in the many theories designed to explain microphysics phenomena essentially boil down to 2 competing metaphysical postions: the “anti-realist” Copenhagen interpretation (Heisenberg, Bohr, Pauli) and the “realist” hidden variables interpretation (Einstein, Schrodinger, Bohm, etc.). This is obviously an oversimplification, but I can confidently now state that I understand that I don’t understand Quantum Theory.

⭐I have spent many hours in several college libraries skimming books on quantum mechanics. I have found most books are either too heavy with mathematics or too short in explanation. “Beyond Measure” is just the right mix. I now understand the basic principles, and the math (placed appropriately in the appendix) is not overly complex. I recommend this book to any undergraduate student considering his/her first course in quantum mechanics.

⭐Book was very well written. Basically a revision of author’s earlier book “The Meaning of Quantum Mechanics” with some updated and added material.

⭐This is unquestionably the best book on the meaning of quantum theory that I have ever read. It is clear and as simple as possible in providing proofs and arguments for the analysis rather than assertions that books on this topic for the literate public so often provide.

⭐The explanation and particularly ‘interpretation’ of quantum mechanics is a field where much confusion has been sown. This book deals with both physics and philosophy of quantum mechanics (yes, there is such a thing!) in a way that sheds light rather than shadow on the topic. It invites, and rewards, careful reading. Make notes! Kick ideas around with friends! And have fun doing so. Enjoy!

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