Beyond Weird

[JemHadar]

As some AA Fellows have shown an interest in this matter, I just wanted to post this book recommendation.

If you want to learn more about Quantum Mechanics, what it is and especially what it isn't, without having to plough through the maths, this book by Philip Ball comes highly recommended.

It is written exceptionally well with a flow that pulls you through the story in no time. Where Manjit Kumar's book "Quantum" gives an excellent account of the history of how QM came about - and a great story it is - Philip Ball's book shines a light on what it all could mean. Come to think of it, these two books would make a great back to back read.

For those who have played around with the actual mathematics of QM, it will come as no surprise that the math is actually far removed from QM related stories floating around. Stories ranging from misguided "new age" fairy tales, crackpot pseudo science to well intentioned but ultimately failing attempts at explanation.

What Philip Ball does is remove all the fluff and without needing to show you any equation give you a view on what QM does and what it doesn't. There is no bias towards any interpretation (and there are many) but his framing of QM within a certain context (don't want to spoil it for any potential readers) brings more sense to the story of QM than you will ever have thought possible.

If there is only one book about QM you would want to read… this one is it.



Going to start with Lee Smolin's "Einstein's Unfinished Revolution" now. If it is any good, you will know :-)

[JemHadar]

An interesting article by Philip Ball expanding on where the mechanism of decoherence could lead us.

https://www.quantamagazine.org/quant...ests-20190722/

Could as well be an addendum to the book.

[bart]

Thank you Jacques.
Ordered.

[jzzmusician]

Just read the article by Philip Ball.

Ordered the book. The math is way over my head and am eagerly waiting to read something like this I can actually understand.

Thank you!

- Bob

[crwilli]

I almost made it through the entire article but realized about 60% in I was only reading words rather then comprehending them

Seems as if he is saying there is a statistical ‘normal’ state??