Quantum Theory
A Very Short Introduction
John Polkinghorne
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- ISBN:
- 9780192802521
- Published:
- 1 Aug 2002
- Availability:
- 0
- Series:
- Very Short Introductions
Quantum Theory is the most revolutionary discovery in physics since Newton. In simple language, without mathematics, this book gives a lucid, exciting, and accessible account of the surprising and counterintuitive ideas that make the subatomic world so different from the world of the every day. It offers the general reader access to one of the greatest discoveries in the history of physics and one of the most outstanding intellectual achievements of the twentieth century.
1: Classical cracks
2: The light dawns
3: Darkening Perplexities
4: Further developments
5: Togetherness
6: Lessons and meanings
John Polkinghorne , Formerly Professor of Mathematical Physics at University of Cambridge
John Polkinghorne was from 1968 to 1979 Professor of Mathematical Physics in the University of Cambridge, and later president of Queen's College. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and was knighted in 1997. His many books include The Quantum World (1986), The Faith of a Physicist (1994), and Science and Theology (1998).
`John Polkinghorne has brought to life that most mysterious and perplexing of revolutions in understanding and has made its mysteries accessible.' Peter Atkins, University of Oxford
`John Polkinghorne has produced an excellent piece of work. ... Many authors of "popular" books on modern physics have the regrettable habit of mixing science fact with science fiction. Polkinghorne never does that: he always allows the truth to stand by itself and show its own fascination. ... I think that this is an excellent contribution to the literature on quantum theory for a general audience.' Chris Isham, Imperial College, London
`This splendid book explains both the triumph and the mystery that is quantum theory. It is a triumph because of its towering mathematical structure, and amazing empirical accuracy. It is a mystery because of the conundrums about how to interpret it. John Polkinghorne, himself a distinguished quantum physicist, is a sure guide to all of this: he celebrates the successes of the theory, and shows unfailingly good judgement about the conundrums.' Jeremy Butterfield, University of Oxford