Quantum Physics: Illusion Or Reality?

Rae, Alastair

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052126023X ISBN 13: 9780521260237

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1986

In this book the author sets out to describe and discuss the philosophical foundations and conceptual problems encountered in the theory of quantum physics. The book describes the basic ideas of quantum physics and discusses both the long standing and the more modern conceptual problems. It then goes on to discuss the 'Measurement Problem' which arises when quantum physics is taken to be the fundamental theory of physics, applicable to large-scale physical systems as well as to atomic phenomena. Various attempts to resolve the resulting contradictions have led some physicists to suggest that human consciousness plays a unique role in the physical world and others to postulate that the physical universe is continually splitting into a huge number of copies of itself. Recent suggestions that quantum physics might be capable of explaining so-called paranormal phenomena are critically reviewed.

Review:

'Slim, lively, informal and immensely readable.' Paul Davies, The Times Higher Education Supplement

Book Description:

One of the prime fascinations of quantum physics is the great conceptual leap it requires us to make from our conventional ways of thinking about the physical world. Alastair Rae's introductory exploration offers an engaging guide to the theories on offer.