Download Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness Bruce Rosenblum Fred Kuttner 8601400016282 Books
Download Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness Bruce Rosenblum Fred Kuttner 8601400016282 Books
Download As PDF : Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness Bruce Rosenblum Fred Kuttner 8601400016282 Books
In trying to understand the atom, physicists built quantum mechanics, the most successful theory in science and the basis of one-third of our economy. They found, to their embarrassment, that with their theory, physics encounters consciousness. Authors Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner explain all this in non-technical terms with help from some fanciful stories and anecdotes about the theory's developers. They present the quantum mystery honestly, emphasizing what is and what is not speculation. Quantum Enigma's description of the experimental quantum facts, and the quantum theory explaining them, is undisputed. Interpreting what it all means, however, is heatedly controversial. But every interpretation of quantum physics involves consciousness. Rosenblum and Kuttner therefore turn to exploring consciousness itself--and encounter quantum mechanics. Free will and anthropic principles become crucial issues, and the connection of consciousness with the cosmos suggested by some leading quantum cosmologists is mind-blowing. Readers are brought to a boundary where the particular expertise of physicists is no longer the only sure guide. They will find, instead, the facts and hints provided by quantum mechanics and the ability to speculate for themselves.
In the few decades since the Bell's theorem experiments established the existence of entanglement (Einstein's "spooky action"), interest in the foundations, and the mysteries, of quantum mechanics has accelerated. In recent years, physicists, philosophers, computer engineers, and even biologists have expanded our realization of the significance of quantum phenomena. This second edition includes such advances. The authors have also drawn on many responses from readers and instructors to improve the clarity of the book's explanations.
Download Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness Bruce Rosenblum Fred Kuttner 8601400016282 Books
"Anyone curious enough to wonder who we are and how we came to be must read this book. While it will not teach you everything about quantum physics, it will give you powerful insight into some of the basic concepts. Combine it with "Mind-Body Philosophy" by Patrick Grim from The Great Courses video series."
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Tags : Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness [Bruce Rosenblum, Fred Kuttner] on . In trying to understand the atom, physicists built quantum mechanics, the most successful theory in science and the basis of one-third of our economy. They found,Bruce Rosenblum, Fred Kuttner,Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness,Oxford University Press,0199753814,Physics - General,Physics - Quantum Theory,Quantum theory,Quantum theory.,Science - Philosophy,Science;Philosophy.,Non-Fiction,Philosophy,Physics | Quantum Physics,Quantum physics (quantum mechanics quantum field theory),SCIENCE / Physics / General,SCIENCE / Physics / Quantum Theory,Scholarly/Undergraduate,Science,Science/Math,Science/Mathematics,UNIVERSITY PRESS,United States,SCI055000
Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness Bruce Rosenblum Fred Kuttner 8601400016282 Books Reviews :
Quantum Enigma Physics Encounters Consciousness Bruce Rosenblum Fred Kuttner 8601400016282 Books Reviews
- Quantum Enigma' was written as a college course text for first-year, non-physics majors. It follows a chronological format, i.e. as the theories were first postulated and developed. Two contrasting theories are discussed in the book, one being Einstein's physical reality views, whereby reality is always there, awaiting our attention, with the understanding that an object still exists even when we turn our attention away from it (for example, the moon). The other is the quantum mechanics view, which adheres to the role of the observer, and claims it is our observations that make our reality, while everything else is an abstraction and does not really exist. The book gets into other interesting contemporary, less founded view points and paradoxes as well. The fascinating part of 'Quantum Enigma' addresses the inexplicable role 'consciousness' plays, as it is intertwined with each of these views, hence 'the quantum enigma'. The authors do a good job revealing this.
- I am a theoretical physicist but I must admit I did not fully appreciate the Quantum Enigma until I read the first edition of this book a few years ago. I first learned quantum mechanics over 40 years ago and have actively practiced it. That is, I used it to calculate theoretical predictions. It was only in the last 10 years or so that I asked myself, "What is the electron actually doing when light is emitted from an hydrogen atom?" After reading this book I realized the answer is, "Nobody has the slightest idea!" Fully appreciating the vast gap between the "classical" world we live in and the "quantum world" took some time for me. That kind of profound ignorance takes time to appreciate. I now better understand what I have read in biographical books about Bohr, Einstein, Heisenberg, and Schrodinger. As the realization slowly set in as to what quantum mechanics was saying, these men and other physicists struggled with each other in an almost religious battle. Now over 80 years later we know no more than we did then. In the end, everyone has to come to appreciate the profound ignorance we have at this point in history. For any interested layman or scientist, the Quantum Enigma is a must-read item.
- Rosenblum's Quantum Enigma did d a great job at satisfying my beginner's curiosities around quantum physics. It gives a history of physics from the Greeks to the present day, which is helpful and which I don't recall in previous physics courses. While the book deals with heady theoretical experiments, it does so in a way that is accessible (hello, Schrödinger's cat), including practical applications of modern physics such as quantum computing. Skillfully connecting the dots from the subatomic level up through chemistry, biology, and ultimately the spiritual, the book brings the reader right into the center of the field's controversies and latest theoretical questions. For the true technical geeks, the book even (where appropriate) offers up supporting math, for good measure. This was a great jumping off point for me to continue further reading.
- Anyone curious enough to wonder who we are and how we came to be must read this book. While it will not teach you everything about quantum physics, it will give you powerful insight into some of the basic concepts. Combine it with "Mind-Body Philosophy" by Patrick Grim from The Great Courses video series.
- The universe begins to look more like a great thought than a great machine. Sir James Jeans (pg. 53, paperback). I was familiar with Einstein's objections to quantum mechanics, although I failed to apprehend why he resisted the implications of the theory. A theory that apparently find regular experimental confirmation. The importance, indeed necessity, of consciousness to sustain quantum mechanics had eluded me. This book introduced me to the essential nature of consciousness as, in some fashion, perhaps creating reality. Witness the quotation from Sir James Jeans with which I began the review.
I was familiar with the "Schrodinger's cat" thought experiment. However, once again, While I understood that the act of observing the cat determined whether the cat was alive or dead," it had not been driven home to me that the act of observing also created the cat's history of "aliveness or deadness" at the same time.
The authors are most careful to avoid suggesting conclusions to be drawn from the "weirdness" of quantum mechanics and stay close to experimental results and standard physics when examining quantum mechanics. They present the various interpretations of quantum mechanics so the reader is exposed to the range of physicists' explanations of the experimental findings. But, as Richard Feynman said (pg. 87), "We cannot make the mystery go away by 'explaining' how it works." Quantum weirdness will speak for itself.
If you think that science is all cold fact and no mystery, then this book will expand your understanding. It expanded mine. For this reason, I recommend the book highly.
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