Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters ConsciousnessIn 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. |
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User Review - alanfurth - LibraryThingQuantum mechanics is perhaps the most controversial scientific theory after Darwin's theory of evolution. On one side, new age and self-help gurus of all sorts concoct simplistic, frivolous and even ... Read full review
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User Review - neurodrew - LibraryThingQuantum Enigma Bruce Rosenbaum and Fred Kuttner June 8, 2010 Quantum theory is unchallenged as an explanation for observed phenomena, but has at is core the completely fantastic idea that observation ... Read full review
Contents
And I Wish I Had Known | 3 |
A Quantum Parable | 11 |
A Universal Law of Motion | 21 |
4 All the Rest of Classical Physics | 39 |
5 How the Quantum Was Forced on Physics | 55 |
The New Universal Law of Motion | 73 |
The Observer Problem | 87 |
8 Our Skeleton in the Closet | 101 |
EPR | 155 |
Bells Theorem | 173 |
14 Experimental Metaphysics | 193 |
15 Whats Going On? Interpreting the Quantum Enigma | 203 |
16 The Mystery of Consciousness | 221 |
17 The Mystery Meets the Enigma | 237 |
18 Consciousness and the Quantum Cosmos | 257 |
Suggested Reading | 271 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
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Bibliographic information
| Title | Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness |
| Authors | Bruce Rosenblum, Fred Kuttner |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press, USA, 2011 |
| ISBN | 0199753814, 9780199753819 |
| Length | 287 pages |
| Subjects | › › Science / Physics / General Science / Physics / Quantum Theory |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |