The Ghost in the Atom
A Discussion of the Mysteries of Quantum Physics

In this book, which has its origin in a series of radio broadcasts, Paul Davies interviews eight physicists involved in debating and testing quantum theory, with radically different views of its significance.

P. C. W. Davies (Edited by), Julian R. Brown (Edited by)

9780521457286, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 July 1993

176 pages, 11 b/w illus.
21.6 x 13.6 x 1.4 cm, 0.209 kg

'Non-specialists will find this an attractive and thought-provoking book.' Contemporary Physics

Anybody who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it. Niels Bohr's dictum bears witness to the bewildering impact of quantum theory, flying in the face of classical physics and dramatically transforming scientists' outlook on our relationship with the material world. While the theory has been supremely successful in its explanation of some of the major problems in twentieth-century physics, its meaning (presenting a number of basic philosophical contradictions) is nevertheless the subject of unprecedented controversy amongst scientists. In this book, which has its origin in a series of radio broadcasts, Paul Davies interviews eight physicists involved in debating and testing the theory, with radically different views of its significance.

Foreword
1. The strange world of the quantum
2. Alain Aspect
3. John Bell
4. John Wheeler
5. Rudolf Peierls
6. David Deutsch
7. John Taylor
8. David Bohm
9. Basil Hiley
Glossary
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]