Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In this book the author looks at the continuing debate about the meaning of quantum theory. The historical development of the theory is traced from the turn of the century through to the 1930's, and the famous debate between Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. The book examines in detail the arguments that quantum theory is incomplete, as made by Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen; the development of Bell's theorem; and crucial experimental tests performed in the early 1980's. Alternative interpretations - pilot waves, quantum gravity, consciousness, many worlds, and God - are described in the closing chapter. This book is aimed at graduate and senior undergraduate students of physics and chemistry taking quantum chemistry or quantum theory courses, and other scientists interested in the subject.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• How quantum theory was discovered
• Putting it into practice
• What does it mean?
• Putting it to the test
• What are the alternatives?
• Appendices
• Bibliography
• Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Baggott invites the student and practitioner of quantum mechanics to explore beyond the mere mechanical application and to ponder the deeper meaning and interpretation of this most successful of 20th-century physical theories. This short, clearly written work introduces the quantum practitioner to the foundation philosophies and critical phenomenological tests. Baggott begins with a "light-speed" historical introduction culminating in the famous Copenhagen interpretation. So widespread is its use that today it is taught as virtual dogma. It is clearly Baggott's intention to disturb this and he does so by foregrounding the deepest puzzles of quantum mechanics. He discusses the subtle differences in outlook between the objective realists and the positivists, then carefully guides the reader through the logical minefield of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen thought experiments, Bell's inequality, and the critical experimental tests that demonstrate the puzzling truth of the non-local nature of quantum mechanical measurements. The last chapter indulges the reader with several of the increasingly bizarre alternative interpretations, starting with De Broglie's "pilot waves" and ending with metaphysical speculations on consciousness and the "hand of God." Appropriate for undergraduate students of quantum mechanics. J.A. McNeil; Colorado School of Mines

Author notes provided by Syndetics

JimBaggottEnvironmental Officer, Lubricants MarketingShell International.