The Meaning of Quantum Theory

by Jim Baggott

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.

Genres: Science, Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published May 21, 1992

About the author

Jim Baggott completed his doctorate in physical chemistry at the University of Oxford and his postgraduate research at Stanford University.

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best from zero intro to mysteries of QM. After this I would look at rig hughes' book.

[Lalith P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it more than 15 years ago, by that time I had finished graduate studies and several years of postdoc work in physics, and I thought I knew quantum mechanics well. After reading this book I realized how much I had not learned in the grad school (and not mentioned in standard text books) This book enlightened me on the intricacies of the Copenhagen interpretation of Quantum mechanics. I believe Still it is the best introductory book on the Copenhagen picture of quantum mechanics (EPR, Bell inequalities, Aspect experiments and all that) , and highly recommended. its treatment is detailed and adequately rigorous. Unfortunately in the second edition of the book "Beyond Measure" author has watered down some of the aspects.

[Patrick Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Jim Baggott delivers a concise review of some of the basic tenets of quantum theory and then develops the theory further to demonstrate some of the oddness that quantum mechanics predicts including Bell's inequality and the problem of quantum entanglement. The book is supposed to be geared toward someone who has just finished an undergraduate course in quantum mechanics, but is probably accessible most readily by someone with a more thorough understanding of the subject than just a mere introduction. None the less, it is a very insightful and thought provoking treatise. I would recommend it for someone who is genuinely curious as to why quantum mechanics predicts such odd behavior, but be prepared to face a few mathematical problems!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read this a million times and not quite understand so yes, it's a great book. The beauty of quantum theory, string theory and multiple dimensions is the ever possible mystery that defies what we all think, or claim, to know. I'm a big fan of the unknown, it keeps us guessing. Pick it up and have a go!

[Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

For undergrad Physics students interested in QM in general from epistemological point of view, this book will be a good start. Besides, it sheds some light on making yourself more independent in thoughts about what is like the scientific method and community.