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  • What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics by Adam Becker book cover
  • What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics by Adam Becker book cover
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What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics

by Adam Becker

A history of the debate over quantum mechanics

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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    Longlisted for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Prize for Literary Science Writing

    Longlisted for the prize.

  • Editorial selection

    New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice

    Listed as an Editor's Choice.

  • Critical praise

    Praised by the Wall Street Journal

    Called an excellent, accessible account.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A history of the debate over quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics is widely regarded as a major scientific achievement, but agreement about its meaning has proved far harder to reach. Adam Becker traces the dispute over its interpretation through the work of Niels Bohr and the Copenhagen interpretation, alongside challenges pursued by John Bell, David Bohm, and Hugh Everett. The account places these competing ideas in the history of physics and examines the professional climate surrounding attempts to question the prevailing view. Its subject is both scientific and historical: how physicists have argued over what quantum theory says about reality, and why that question has remained unsettled.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in quantum theory and its interpretations.
  • Readers curious about the history of scientific debates and the physicists involved.
  • Readers seeking accessible nonfiction about foundational questions in physics.

Themes

Interpretations of quantum mechanicsScientific disagreementThe history of physicsProfessional orthodoxy and dissent

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"A thorough, illuminating exploration of the most consequential controversy raging in modern science." --New York Times Book Review

An Editor's Choice, New York Times Book Review
Longlisted for PEN/E.O. Wilson Prize for Literary Science Writing
Longlisted for Goodreads Choice Award Every physicist agrees quantum mechanics is among humanity's finest scientific achievements. But ask what it means, and the result will be a brawl. For a century, most physicists have followed Niels Bohr's solipsistic and poorly reasoned Copenhagen interpretation. Indeed, questioning it has long meant professional ruin, yet some daring physicists, such as John Bell, David Bohm, and Hugh Everett, persisted in seeking the true meaning of quantum mechanics. What Is Real? is the gripping story of this battle of ideas and the courageous scientists who dared to stand up for truth. "An excellent, accessible account." --Wall Street Journal "Splendid. . . . Deeply detailed research, accompanied by charming anecdotes about the scientists." --Washington Post
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