Quantum Enigma
Physics Encounters Consciousness, Second Edition
Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kutter
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 nontechnical 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. In recent years, physicists, philosophers, computer engineers, and even biologists have expanded our realization of the significance of quantum phenomena. The second edition includes such advances. The authors have also drawn on many responses from readers and instructors to improve the
clarity of the book's explanations.
"A remarkable and readable presentation."
--Charles Townes, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics
"This book is unique. The clearest expositions I have ever seen."
--George Greenstein, Professor of Astronomy, Amherst College
"An immensely important and exciting book."
--Raymond Chester Russ, editor of Journal of Mind and Behavior
"Exposes the hidden skeleton in the physicist's closet."
--Nick Herbert, author of Quantum Reality
Readership : This book is written in highly-accessible language that makes it ideal for the general reader with an interest in science; however, it will also be of great interest to physicists. The first edition has already been used as collateral reading in several universities, and the authors have this
market in mind as they update the material for the second edition. The book would be ideal collateral reading for the "conceptual physics" course offered in virtually every university, college, and two-year community college, as its unique focus is the human aspect of the quantum enigma. These
courses are offered as one way for non-science students to satisfy a science part of their "breadth" or "general education" requirement. It also can be used as supplementary reading for philosophy and psychology courses that deal with the mind and consciousness. In addition to collateral reading,
the book could also be the actual text for a course if some additional technical material were provided - so that it would legitimately meet the science "breadth requirements."
1. Einstein Called It "Spooky" - and I Wish I Had Known
2. The Visit to Neg Ahne Poc: A Quantum Parable
3. Our Newtonian Worldview: A Universal Law of Motion
4. All the Rest of Classical Physics
Hello Quantum Mechanics
5. How the Quantum Was Forced on Physics
6.
Schrodinger's Equation: The New Universal Law of Motion
7. Our Skeleton in the Closet
8. One-Third of Our Economy
9. Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen
10. Schrodinger's Controversial Cat
11. Seeking a Real World: EPR
12. Spooky Actions: Bell's Theorem
13. Experimental
Metaphysics
14. What's Going On? Interpreting the Quantum Enigma
15. The Mystery of Consciousness
16. The Mystery Meets the Enigma
17. Consciousness and the Quantum Cosmos
Suggested Reading
There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.
Bruce Rosenblum is Professor of Physics Emeritus and former Chairperson of the Physics Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Fred Kuttner is Lecturer in Physics at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Making Sense - Margot Northey and Joan McKibbin
Special Features
- Scientifically sound treatment of the controversial issue of the nature of physical reality and the relevance of physics' encounter with consciousness.
- Presents controversial implications without forcing the authors' bias; readers will be able to draw their own conclusions from the
material.
- Completely accessible to all readers, even those with no background in physics.
- Emphasizes how the quantum enigma arises simply and directly from observed experimental facts; it's not just a theoretical issue.
