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Arkady Plotnitsky - Epistemology and Probability, Inbunden

Inbunden, Engelska, 2009

Epistemology and Probability

Bohr, Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and the Nature of Quantum-Theoretical Thinking

Av Arkady Plotnitsky

Del i serien Fundamental Theories of Physics

2157 kr

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Beskrivning
This book offers an exploration of the relationships between epistemology and probability in the work of Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, and Erwin Schro- ¨ dinger, and in quantum mechanics and in modern physics as a whole. It also considers the implications of these relationships and of quantum theory itself for our understanding of the nature of human thinking and knowledge in general, or the ‘‘epistemological lesson of quantum mechanics,’’ as Bohr liked 1 to say. These implications are radical and controversial. While they have been seen as scientifically productive and intellectually liberating to some, Bohr and Heisenberg among them, they have been troublesome to many others, such as Schro¨ dinger and, most prominently, Albert Einstein. Einstein famously refused to believe that God would resort to playing dice or rather to playing with nature in the way quantum mechanics appeared to suggest, which is indeed quite different from playing dice. According to his later (sometime around 1953) remark, a lesser known or commented upon but arguably more important one: ‘‘That the Lord should play [dice], all right; but that He should gamble according to definite rules [i. e. , according to the rules of quantum mechanics, rather than 2 by merely throwing dice], that is beyond me. ’’ Although Einstein’s invocation of God is taken literally sometimes, he was not talking about God but about the way nature works. Bohr’s reply on an earlier occasion to Einstein’s question 1 Cf.
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From the reviews: "Plotnitsky (theory and cultural studies, Purdue Univ.) analyzes the discussions and disagreements among the principals (mentioned in the title), and offers his insightful comments on the questions. ... The discussions on probability and epistemology remind readers of 18th-century debates on the topic in which d'Alembert participated. This book should interest anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the epistemology of quantum mechanics, especially the issues thrashed out in the early phases. ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic libraries serving graduate students, researchers, and faculty." (V. V. Raman, Choice, Vol. 47 (10), June, 2010) "This is an exposition of what the author calls 'non-classical epistemology' in close relationship with the emergence and development of quantum mechanics. ... Plotnitsky unfolds a nuanced presentation of the so-called 'Copenhagen spirit' or, more precisely, of the ideas of his central hero, Niels Bohr, taken to their logical conclusion. ... Plotnitsky's narrative makes fascinating reading, and not only for those who are sympathetic to his views. ... the book represents a challenge and motivation for the opponents of such views, particularly scientific realists." (Vassilis Sakellariou, Metascience, Vol. 21, 2012)

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