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A review by mary_soon_lee
What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics by Adam Becker
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).