Name: Quantum enigma
ISBN: 9780195342505

Quantum enigma

"In trying to understand the atom, physicists built quantum mechanics, the most successful theory in science and the basis of one-third of our economy. They found, to their embarrassment, that with their theory, physics encounters consciousness. Authors Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner explain all this in non-technical terms with help from some fanciful stories and anecdotes about the theory's developers. They present the quantum mystery honestly, emphasizing what is and what is not speculation. Quantum Enigma's description of the experimental quantum facts, and the quantum theory explaining them, is undisputed. Interpreting what it all means, however, is heatedly controversial. But every interpretation of quantum physics involves consciousness. Rosenblum and Kuttner therefore turn to exploring consciousness itself-and encounter quantum mechanics. Free will and anthropic principles become crucial issues, and the connection of consciousness with the cosmos suggested by some leading quantum cosmologists is mind-blowing. Readers are brought to a boundary where the particular expertise of physicists is no longer the only sure guide. They will find, instead, the facts and hints provided by quantum mechanics and the ability to speculate for themselves. In the few decades since the Bell's theorem, experiments established the existence of entanglement (Einstein's 'spooky action'), interest in the foundations, and the mysteries, of quantum mechanics has accelerated.

What Hacker News says

codex_irlAug 2015

Baraka - both format and content was one of the first movies that really made me "think" & realize how many different experiences of being human can exist.

I know this is off topic, but one of the fist / only books that ever really changed my view on the world around me was "Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness" - I have never seen things quiet the same way after reading this.

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SoftwareMavenApr 2014

If you want to twist your mind over this subject, read Quantum Enigma by Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner[1]. It's written by a couple of quantum physics researchers who spend some time thinking about WTF quantum reality means. It's one of the few metaphysical books on quantum physics I've found that sticks to the real science (and, as a result, has no conclusions).

The new 'player character' on decoherence is, essentially, the many worlds interpretation. That is a valid interpretation, and while it matches the data (and may not be falsifiable), I have a hard time buying it (where does all that energy come from??).

1. http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Enigma-Physics-Encounters-Cons...

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cjNov 2010

If you don't believe in free will based on the principle that every event causes another event, which causes another, etc... then take a look into quantum physics. A great intro book is Quantum Enigma.

Quantum Physics is one of the few branches of science that is not always predictable. Even more, our inability to predict is not based on a lack of ability to measure precisely or lack of computing power. Quantum physics gives our world an elements of spontaneity.

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naminAug 2010

Some books I've read this summer, which I can recommend:

- The Facebook Effect -- well-written insider's account of the history of Facebook and its ambitions. http://www.amazon.com/Facebook-Effect-Inside-Company-Connect...

- The Quantum Enigma -- an accessible digest of quantum mechanics and its philosophical consequences. http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Enigma-Physics-Encounters-Cons...

- Flesh & Machines -- a lightweight history of robotics and some wacky speculations by MIT's Rodney Brooks. http://www.amazon.com/Flesh-Machines-Robots-Will-Change/dp/0...

- The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution of Personalized Medecine -- a well-backed account of what is or will be possible in medicine thanks to a better understanding of the genome and increase use of DNA sequencing for prevention, diagnostic, and treatment. http://www.amazon.com/Language-Life-Revolution-Personalized-...

- ... by David Sedaris -- Funny short stories. Perhaps The Santaland Diaries for something light but really amusing, and When You Are Engulfed in Flames for something darker and more well-known. Also, if you like short stories, I heartily recommend Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules, a varied collection of short stories selected by Sedaris. http://www.amazon.com/David-Sedaris/e/B000AQ3YUW/ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0349119759 http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Are-Engulfed-Flames/dp/031615... http://www.amazon.com/Children-Playing-Before-Statue-Hercule...

- Dreams of My Father -- Barack Obama writes candidly and beautifully about his childhood and early adulthood; it's not a political book, and it's worth reading for the writing alone. http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-My-Father-Story-Inheritance/dp/...

- Mathematics: The Loss of Certainty: a chatty history of mathematics, and its perception. http://www.amazon.com/Mathematics-Loss-Certainty-Galaxy-Book...

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blabla_blubluJun 2015

[1] Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely (almost through with this one - highly recommend it) [2] Quantum Enigma by Bruce Rosenblum, et.al

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michaelsbradleyFeb 2014

I had the pleasure of attending a lecture last year given by Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J.[1], held at the Catholic Student Center next door to Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.

The lecture was a shortened presentation of the ideas explained in his recent book New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy[2].

Fr. Spitzer has recorded a number of videos presenting the same or related ideas, which are freely available online[3].

For background on the "Abrahamic" concepts, from a Christian perspective, there is a fine article[4] in the old Catholic Encyclopedia. As it was authored circa 1913, it doesn't take into consideration developments in modern physical cosmology or quantum mechanics, but is still a good resource.

A friend of mine told me about another author, Wolfgang Smith[5], who holds that the conundrums involved in quantum mechanics are owing to "Cartesian hangups", and goes on to argue that an ontology and metaphysics grounded in Aristotle provide a kind of solution. He published a book[6] to promote those ideas, but I've not read it myself so can't comment further.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Spitzer_(priest)

[2] http://www.amazon.com/New-Proofs-Existence-God-Contributions...

[3] http://www.magisreasonfaith.org/spitzer_videos.html

[4] http://oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Creation

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_Smith

[6] http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Enigma-Finding-Hidden-Key/dp/0...

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