Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 59 | Adam Becker on the Curious History of Quantum Mechanics
Aug 12, 2019
Adam Becker, a science writer and Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley, dives into the perplexing history of quantum mechanics. He elaborates on why physicists remain divided on the foundational concepts of the theory, tracing historical roots from the Bohr-Einstein debates to present-day misunderstandings. Becker highlights the contributions of iconoclasts like David Bohm and discusses how political climates have shaped scientific inquiry. The conversation also touches on evolving educational approaches and ongoing philosophical debates surrounding quantum reality.
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Pilot Wave Theory and Relativity
- Bohm's pilot wave theory reifies spooky action at a distance.
- It provides an alternative interpretation but clashes with relativity.
Physics is not always about the outcome
- Physics is non-algorithmic and involves subjective judgments.
- Some puzzles are deemed important while others are ignored, reflecting individual choices.
Renewed Interest in Foundations
- Post-1950s Princeton flurry, quantum foundations were largely ignored.
- Bell's work and Clauser's experiments later revived interest.
