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abbyperryman's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
5.0
This is the best non-fiction book I've read in years. It presents a fascinating, excellent account of quantum physics and the controversy over its interpretation. In addition to explaining some of the central ideas in quantum physics in layman's language, it also sets out the history: the scientists involved, the clash of their ideas, the surrounding politics.
Quantum physics is an outstandingly successful theory in superb agreement with experimental results. Yet Becker forcefully argues that the dominant explanation behind that theory--the Copenhagen interpretation--is among the least satisfactory. He discusses how alternate interpretations (pilot waves and many-worlds especially) arose and how they were treated (not well). Many physicists were happy to brush aside the underlying controversies, and, in the words of David Mermin "Shut up and calculate!"
Here is a quote dating back to 1966 that Becker selected for the start of Part II: "We emphasize not only that our view is that of a minority but also that current interest in such questions is small. The typical physicist feels that they have long been answered, and that he will fully understand just how if ever he can spare 20 minutes to think about it." -- John Bell and Michael Nauenberg.
I very highly recommend this book to anyone interested in how science happens, including how good ideas can be sidelined, as well as to those interested in the strangeness of quantum physics, such as the notion that we may live in a multiverse, or in a universe with, in Einstein's words, "spooky action at a distance."
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Quantum physics is an outstandingly successful theory in superb agreement with experimental results. Yet Becker forcefully argues that the dominant explanation behind that theory--the Copenhagen interpretation--is among the least satisfactory. He discusses how alternate interpretations (pilot waves and many-worlds especially) arose and how they were treated (not well). Many physicists were happy to brush aside the underlying controversies, and, in the words of David Mermin "Shut up and calculate!"
Here is a quote dating back to 1966 that Becker selected for the start of Part II: "We emphasize not only that our view is that of a minority but also that current interest in such questions is small. The typical physicist feels that they have long been answered, and that he will fully understand just how if ever he can spare 20 minutes to think about it." -- John Bell and Michael Nauenberg.
I very highly recommend this book to anyone interested in how science happens, including how good ideas can be sidelined, as well as to those interested in the strangeness of quantum physics, such as the notion that we may live in a multiverse, or in a universe with, in Einstein's words, "spooky action at a distance."
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
whitneydonna's review against another edition
4.0
In short, I enjoyed this book. I have virtually no knowledge of physics coming into this, and I was able to follow ~70% of it I would say, so pretty good read for someone with little physics background. It was great learning about the history of quantum physics and brings up some interesting questions that everyone should be asking themselves. It makes me want to learn even more.
bupdaddy's review against another edition
4.0
This serves as a really cool rundown of the elephant in the quantum physics room - the establishment of the idea, early in quantum physics, that measuring a particle causes something to happen, and (in extreme philosophies) the very idea that you can talk about whether the particle had any sort of reality before measurement is verboten.
It's told as a historical narrative of the problem, and the generations-long struggle to get physicists who believed reality existed/exists independent of anyone's ability to measure it be taken seriously.
Every once in a while I need to read again about the double-slit experiment, and the delayed decision experiment when single photons sent one at a time through paths interfere with each other - to remind myself how weird it all is and I really don't understand much about this whole thing.
It's told as a historical narrative of the problem, and the generations-long struggle to get physicists who believed reality existed/exists independent of anyone's ability to measure it be taken seriously.
Every once in a while I need to read again about the double-slit experiment, and the delayed decision experiment when single photons sent one at a time through paths interfere with each other - to remind myself how weird it all is and I really don't understand much about this whole thing.
griddleoctopus's review against another edition
5.0
A clear work that explains quantum mechanics through its history, focusing on the characters of various dissenters and their ideas. Enjoyable throughout!
ichirofakename's review against another edition
2.0
A review lead me to believe this book would investigate the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics. It doesn't. This is yet another popular review of the subject, covering its history, more up to date than the last I read. The measurement problem is still unsolved, and the spooky action at a distance problem has been confirmed to be a real problem. The Copenhagen interpretation is a little more denigrated, and there are a couple of new outlying theories to consider. The theory that is most straightforward and best answers all problems is the most laughably ludicrous, the many-worlds theory.
There is the usual hand waving when concepts get too difficult to explain without math. Very little about quantum field definition (qm vs. spec. rel.). Nothing on quantum chromodynamics (I still don't know what it is).
There is too much local color added in an attempt I guess to bring the characters down to earth and increase readability – it increases the length, and nothing more. There is no need to read this book if you are already aware of the basic issues of quantum mechanics. I'm waiting another couple decades in hope of progress before I read another book on this subject.
There is the usual hand waving when concepts get too difficult to explain without math. Very little about quantum field definition (qm vs. spec. rel.). Nothing on quantum chromodynamics (I still don't know what it is).
There is too much local color added in an attempt I guess to bring the characters down to earth and increase readability – it increases the length, and nothing more. There is no need to read this book if you are already aware of the basic issues of quantum mechanics. I'm waiting another couple decades in hope of progress before I read another book on this subject.
spoonofnutella_'s review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
An engaging read that manages to give the reader a strong understanding of the basics of quantum theory while also delivering a whitty and "gossipy" recount of the major names in the field of study.
This book is both informative and highly entertaining. A great starting point to learn more about the subject.
This book is both informative and highly entertaining. A great starting point to learn more about the subject.
afnanamdeen's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating, splendid, and with a terribly frustrating ending. All my homies HATE the Copenhagen interpretation.