Quantum Cybernetics: Toward a Unification of Relativity and Quantum Theory via Circularly Causal Modeling - Hardcover

Grössing, Gerhard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387989609 ISBN 13: 9780387989600

Publisher: Springer, 2000

Synopsis

Some 350 years ago, in his Discorsi e Dimostrationi Matematici [Galilei], Galileo Galilei discussed whether or not light propagated with a finite though very high velocity, or with infinite speed, instantaneously. The ques­ tion was an open one then, with prominent proponents for either position. For example, Rene Descartes argued on philosophical grounds that light dispersed itself into all of space instantaneously, whereas Galileo was more inclined toward the idea of a finite velocity. In fact, he even reported about an early experiment, which, however, would have to be refined and per­ 1 formed again to reach a definite conclusion. "Sagredo: ... However, of which kind, and how high might we estimate the velocity of light? Is the appearance instantaneous, momentaneous, or, like other movements, temporal? Could one decide this experimentally? Simplicio: Daily experience teaches us, that the spreading of light be instantaneous; if in a large distance the artillery per­ forms shooting exercises, we see the glare of the flame without the ear perceives the sound only after some time delay, while considerable time.

About this title

Synopsis

This book, written for non-specialists, discusses the apparent conflict between relativity and quantum mechanics, concentrating particularly on what Einstein called "spooky interactions at a distance. " The author proposes a resolution based on a causal interpretation introduced by Louis deBroglie and elaborated by David Bohm. He shows that one can introduce a "medium" or "aether" in a manner consistent with both relativity and quantum theory, and which allows one to unify the two theories via the identification of circularly causal processes at their core. The mathematics is kept simple, making the discussion accessible to a wide audience. Several crucial experiments are discussed in detail.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387989609
• ISBN 13: 9780387989600
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 167