Product Description

Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or ‘Copenhagen’ interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement, and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of ‘consistent histories’ to which a completely new chapter is devoted.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #256154 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 170 pages

Review
‘Slim, lively, informal and immensely readable.’ Paul Davies, The Times Higher Education Supplement

‘Describes the profound mysteries of interpretation and philosophy which still shroud any understanding of the quantum world.’ New Scientist

About the Author
Alastair Rae has been a Lecturer, a Senior Lecturer, then Reader in Quantum Physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at University of Birmingham from 1967-2003.

Customer Reviews

A slim, unforgettable volume
An exceptional book which in just over 100 pages tackles one of Quantum Physics' fundaments in a remarkably easy to absorb way. Popular science books all too often appear to be maximizing the 'Wow' factor and tend to be condescending and/or superficial. Not this book which actually succeeds in casting light on the measurement problem. While this may not sound all that exciting, you'll be gripped by it. I for one found it to be one of the most rewarding books I've come across for a long time. [ It actually containing a few (simple) equations, bless the author, but you can skip them without missing the main points.]

the best book I know on this topic
This book deals with the fascinating problem of finding a realistic philosophical interpretation for quantum mechanics. It presents the several existing approaches to this problem, both the older ones and the newer. Whoever is interested in this topic, be she/he a physicist or a general reader, will find this book very readable, clear, and extremely interesting.

Essential for all quantum theory enthusiasts.
Easy to read, informative, interesting and well laid out. In my opion Rae is the author on quantum physics, both this book and "Quantum Mechanics", also by Rae make a very tricky subject suprisingly easy to follow.