Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness / Edition 2

by Bruce Rosenblum, Fred Kuttner

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199753819
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/01/2011
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Bruce Rosenblum is currently Professor of Physics, emeritus, at the University of California at Santa Cruz. He has also consulted extensively for government and industry on technical and policy issues. His research has moved from molecular physics to condensed matter physics, and, after a foray into biophysics, has focused on fundamental issues in quantum mechanics.

Fred Kuttner is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of California at Santa Cruz. He devotes most of his time to teaching physics after a career in industry, including two technology startups, and a second career in academic administration. His research interests have included the low temperature propoerties o solids and the thermal properties of magnets. For the last several years he has worked on the foundations of quantum mechanics and the implications of the quantum theory.

Table of Contents

Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness (2nd edition)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Einstein Called It "Spooky": And I Wish I Had Known
Chapter 2 The Visit to Neg Ahne Poc: A Quantum Parable
Chapter 3 Our Newtonian Worldview: A Universal Law of Motion
Chapter 4 All the Rest of Classical Physics
Hello Quantum Mechanics
Chapter 5 How the Quantum Was Forced on Physics
Chapter 6 Schrödinger's Equation: The New Universal Law of Motion
Chapter 7 The 2-Slit Experiment
Chapter 8 Our Skeleton in the Closet
Chapter 9 One-Third of Our Economy
Chapter 10 Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen
Chapter 11 Schrödinger's Controversial Cat
Chapter 12 Seeking a Real World: EPR
Chapter 13 Spooky Actions: Bell's Theorem
Chapter 14 Experimental Metaphysics
Chapter 15 What's Going On?
Chapter 16 The Mystery of Consciousness
Chapter 17 The Mystery Meets the Enigma
Chapter 18 Consciousness and the Quantum Cosmos

Suggested Reading
Index

Editorial Reviews

"A remarkable and readable presentation."
—Charles Townes, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics

"This book is unique.… The clearest expositions I have ever seen."
—George Greenstein, Professor of Astronomy, Amherst College

"An immensely important and exciting book."
—Raymond Chester Russ, editor of Journal of Mind and Behavior

"Exposes the hidden skeleton in the physicist's closet."
—Nick Herbert, author of Quantum Reality

From the Publisher