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Physics Bulletin

The Mystery of the Quantum World

Tony Sudbery

Published Apr 1, 1986• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Euan Squires 1986 Bristol: Adam Hilger xi + 170 pp price £18.95 (£8.95 paperback) (IOP members' prices £15.15 and £7.15 respectively) ISBN 0 85274 565 6 Hdbk, 0 85274 566 4 Pbk This is one of the growing number of books on quantum mechanics with authors who do not pretend to be able to offer a full understanding of the subject. Euan Squires describes the conceptual framework of this most successful yet most mysterious of theories, focusing attention on the problems of reality, measurement and the role of consciousness, and nonlocality.

DOI
10.1088/0031-9112/37/4/034

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Physics Bulletin•Apr 1, 1984•0 citations

The Mystery of the Quantum World

Euan J. Squires

Preface to the 2nd edition. Preface. Acknowledgements. Reality in the quantum world: The quantum revolutions External reality The potential barrier and the breakdown of determinism The experimental challenge to reality Summary of chapter one. Quantum theory: The description of a particle in quantum theory The wavefunction The potential barrier according to quantum mechanics Interference Other applications of quantum theory Summary of chapter two. Quantum theory and external reality: Review of the problem The ensemble interpretation of quantum mechanics The wavefunction as a measure of our knowledge The wavefunction as part of external reality Measurement in quantum theory Interference and macroscopic objects Can quantum mechanics be changed so that it will reduce wavefunctions? Summary of chapter three. Consciousness: The relevance of conscious observers: What is a conscious observer? Does wavefunction reduction require conscious observers? God as the conscious observer The many-worlds interpretation Summary of chapter four. Hidden variables and non-locality: Review of hidden-variable theories The pilot wave The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen thought experiment Bell's theorem Experimental verification of the non-local predictions of quantum theory Can signals travel faster than light Summary of chapter five. The mysteries of the quantum world: Where are we now? Quantum theory and relativity Where do we go next? Early history and the Copenhagen interpretation A bibliography and some recent opinions A final plea for reality A last look at the wavefunction Conclusions. Recent developments: Models with explicit collapse The Bohm model Many worlds Time and quantum theory A peculiarly quantum measurement Locality. Appendices. Index.

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Physics Bulletin•Aug 1, 1984•0 citations
Euan Squires 1986 Bristol: Adam Hilger xi + 170 pp price £18.95 (£8.95 paperback) (IOP members' prices £15.15 and £7.15 respectively) ISBN 0 85274 565 6 Hdbk, 0 85274 566 4 Pbk This is one of the growing number of books on quantum mechanics with authors who do not pretend to be able to offer a full understanding of the subject. Euan Squires describes the conceptual framework of this most successful yet most mysterious of theories, focusing attention on the problems of reality, measurement and the role of consciousness, and nonlocality.
Preface to the 2nd edition. Preface. Acknowledgements. Reality in the quantum world: The quantum revolutions External reality The potential barrier and the breakdown of determinism The experimental challenge to reality Summary of chapter one. Quantum theory: The description of a particle in quantum theory The wavefunction The potential barrier according to quantum mechanics Interference Other applications of quantum theory Summary of chapter two. Quantum theory and external reality: Review of the problem The ensemble interpretation of quantum mechanics The wavefunction as a measure of our knowledge The wavefunction as part of external reality Measurement in quantum theory Interference and macroscopic objects Can quantum mechanics be changed so that it will reduce wavefunctions? Summary of chapter three. Consciousness: The relevance of conscious observers: What is a conscious observer? Does wavefunction reduction require conscious observers? God as the conscious observer The many-worlds interpretation Summary of chapter four. Hidden variables and non-locality: Review of hidden-variable theories The pilot wave The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen thought experiment Bell's theorem Experimental verification of the non-local predictions of quantum theory Can signals travel faster than light Summary of chapter five. The mysteries of the quantum world: Where are we now? Quantum theory and relativity Where do we go next? Early history and the Copenhagen interpretation A bibliography and some recent opinions A final plea for reality A last look at the wavefunction Conclusions. Recent developments: Models with explicit collapse The Bohm model Many worlds Time and quantum theory A peculiarly quantum measurement Locality. Appendices. Index.
A J G Hey and P Walters 1987 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press vii + 1 80 pp price £27.50 (£9.95 paperback) ISBN 0 521 26744 7 Hdbk, 0 521 31845 9 Pbk Described as a ‘coffee table’ book on quantum mechanics, this volume is beautifully illustrated with over a hundred photographs – many of them in colour – and according to the somewhat tongue-in-cheek preface it is aimed at bank managers, builders, housewives and especially politicians! The text is eminently readable, liberally peppered with entertaining historical anecdotes and imaginative analogies. The scope is ambitious, ranging from introductory ideas about waves and particles to the physics of superfluids and stars and the advanced concepts of Feynman diagrams and quantum chromodynamics.
Anthony Sudbery 1986 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press xiii + 358 pp price £40 (£1 5 paperback) ISBN 0 521 25891 X Hdbk, 0 521 27765 5 Pbk An unusual book this, since it tries to provide a basic introduction to quantum theory, together with the elements of modern particle physics, but is aimed not at physicists (who need to learn how to apply quantum mechanics to real physical problems) but at undergraduate mathematicians. The latter, it is supposed, will expect (or tolerate) greater mathematical rigour than the former, but may have little background knowledge of physics and would be more interested in the logical structure of the subject than in how to make use of it.
Abstract Consciousness and quantum mechanics are two mysteries in our times. A careful and thorough examination of possible connections between them may help unravel these two mysteries. On the one hand, an analysis of the conscious mind and psychophysical connection seems indispensable in understanding quantum mechanics and solving the notorious measurement problem. On the other hand, it seems that in the end quantum mechanics, the most fundamental theory of the physical world, will be relevant to understanding consciousness and even solving the mind-body problem when assuming a naturalist view. This book is the first volume which provides a comprehensive review and thorough analysis of intriguing conjectures about the connection between consciousness and quantum mechanics. Written by leading experts in this research field, this book will be of value to students and researchers working on the foundations of quantum mechanics and philosophy of mind.