Einstein, Bohr and the Quantum Dilemma
From Quantum Theory to Quantum Information

A fascinating account of the development of quantum theory and emergence of quantum information theory.

Andrew Whitaker (Author)

9780521671026, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 29 June 2006

480 pages, 60 b/w illus.
24.7 x 17.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.96 kg

'Whitaker takes us all the way from the 19th century classical world inherited from Newton and Maxwell, through the quantum revolution and all the way to the present day ideas of quantum information. … a remarkable testament to Whitaker's scholarship, enthusiasm for his subject and to his skill as a writer. His book can be recommended strongly to anyone who is interest in the development of quantum theory or, indeed, to our current understanding of the physical world. … For researchers in quantum mechanics there is a wide-ranging and informative discussion and analysis, complete with an extensive bibliography. I shall return to it often.' Contemporary Physics

Quantum theory, the most successful physical theory of all time, provoked intense debate between the twentieth century's two greatest physicists, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. Quantum information theory has emerged from intensive study of the structure and interpretation of quantum theory to become one of the fastest growing areas of twenty-first century science. This second edition has been extensively revised and updated to cover recent developments, including the findings of papers published since the well-received first edition. A substantial new chapter is devoted to the development and structure of quantum information theory. Developments in the experimental and theoretical study of Bell's Theorem are also covered in detail, and the accounts of ongoing work have been brought up to date. A fascinating account of the development of quantum theory, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the fundamental questions of physics, its philosophy and its history.

1. Bohr and Einstein: Einstein and Bohr
2. The peace before the quantum
3. A glance at relativity
4. The slow rise of the quantum
5. Bohr: what does it all mean?
6. Einstein's negative views
7. Bohm, Bell and experimental philosophy
8. A round-up of recent developments
9. Quantum information theory - an introduction
10. Bohr or Einstein?
References
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], History of science [PDX]