Product Description

Here Bohm offers his causal interpretation of the quantum theory.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1080264 in Books
• Published on: 1984-04-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

From the Back Cover
In this classic, David Bohm was the first to offer us his causal interpretation of the quantum theory. Causality and Chance in Modern Physics continues to make possible further insight into the meaning of the quantum theory and to suggest ways of extending the theory into new directions.

Customer Reviews

Exploration of an alternative approach to quantum theory
In 1952 Professor Bohm proposed an approach to quantum theory that resolved many of the philosophical and interpretational difficulties, and in particular, removed the apparently fundamental randomness of quantum theory. Although this interpretation was accepted as being technically valid, it was met with considerable hostility within the physics community. In this book, published in 1957, Bohm explored and answered many of the objections and criticisms of his proposal, and went on to suggest ways in which the theory could be developed further.

Consequently, while it is excellently written, it is now somewhat dated. There are more comprehensive technical expositions of Bohm's theory (especially "The Undivided Universe" Bohm & Hiley, and "The Quantum Theory of Motion" Holland) At the same time, the philosophical debate has moved on. Nevertheless, it remains a very clear examination of the extent to which either randomness or determinism could ever be regarded as 'fundamental', or are simply artefacts of particular scientific theories. It is a very open book, the intention being more to widen the possible conceptions of what quantum theory might mean, rather than advocating a particular approach to quantum theory as being the "correct" one (it would be much to be desired if other writers on the subject would adopt such an attitude!) It also shows, in later chapters, the genesis of ideas the Bohm was later to explore in "Wholeness and the Implicate Order".