The definitive account of the great Bohr-Einstein debate and its continuing legacy In 1927, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein began a debate about the interpretation and meaning of the new quantum theory. This would become one of the most famous debates in the history of science. At stake were an understanding of the purpose, and defense of the integrity, of science. What (if any) limits should we place on our expectations for what science can tell us about physical reality?
Our protagonists slowly disappeared from the vanguard of physics, as its centre of gravity shifted from a war-ravaged Continental Europe to a bold, pragmatic, post-war America. What Einstein and Bohr had considered to be matters of the utmost importance were now set aside. Their debate was regarded either as settled in Bohr's favour or as superfluous to real physics.
But the debate was not resolved. The problems of interpretation and meaning persisted, at least in the minds of a few stubborn physicists, such as David Bohm and John Bell, who refused to stop asking awkward questions. The Bohr-Einstein debate was rejoined, now with a new set of protagonists, on a small scale at first. Through their efforts, the debate was revealed to be about physics after all. Their questions did indeed have answers that could be found in a laboratory. As quantum entanglement became a real physical phenomenon, whole new disciplines were established, such as quantum computing, teleportation, and cryptography. The efforts of the experimentalists were rewarded with shares in the 2022 Nobel prize in physics.
As Quantum Drama reveals, science owes a large debt to those who kept the discussions going against the apathy and indifference of most physicists before definitive experimental inquiries became possible. Although experiment moved the Bohr-Einstein debate to a new level and drew many into foundational research, it has by no means removed or resolved the fundamental question. There will be no Nobel prize for an answer. That will not shut off discussion. Our Drama will continue beyond our telling of it and is unlikely to reach its final scene before science ceases or the world ends.
Industry Reviews
The collaboration of an outstanding historian of physics and a superb science writer gives us a masterful, detailed reconstruction of the slow unravelling of one of the greatest intellectual disputes in science, and brings us at the doorstep of today's debates. * Carlo Rovelli *
That the book is so good should come as no surprise because Baggott is possibly the best writer of books on physics for a broad audience and the late John Heilbron was one of our most distinguished historians of physics and someone who spent considerable time studying especially, but by no means only, the work of Bohr. * Don Howard, Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame *
I can think of no better grounding for any curious reader seeking the truth behind science's place in society. * John Mulhall, Irish Tech News *
I have never read a better account: balanced, authoritative and spiced with elegant wit. * Philip Ball, Physics World *
This impressive volume makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of one of the most important aspects of twentieth century science. I shall certainly recommend it to my colleagues. * John Gribbin, Author of In Search of Schrodinger's Cat *
[A] hugely detailed narrative of the 20th-century battle for the meaning of physics ... [Quantum Drama is] is humane and interesting, and also blessed with a fantastically dry sense of humour. ***** * Steven Poole, The Telegraph *
Enlightening. * Publishers Weekly *
Compelling ... Quantum Drama offers a rich history that highlights the very human mix of ego, idealism, prejudice, and courage that accompanies the genius of science. * Robyn Arianrhod, Australian Book Review *
A brilliant book for historians of science, or for physicists from undergraduate level to professors who want to find out more about how quantum theory got to where it is. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *
Moving from the dawn of quantum theory to its most recent iterations, Quantum Drama is the story of how quantum theory reached its present state - with visions of where it may go in the future. * Eileen Gonzalez, Foreword Reviews *
[A] meticulous account of the tumultuous evolution of quantum physics ... [Baggot and Heilbron] balance depth and sophistication with sportscasterlike enthusiasm as they recount how the debate. * Dana Dunham, Scientific American *
Never before has the muddle, complexity and confusion surrounding a century of debate about the meaning of quantum mechanics and the famous 'Copenhagen spirit' been discussed with such clarity, thoroughness and scholarship. A tour-de-force. * Jim Al-Khalili, theoretical physicist, and author of The World According to Physics *
Jim Baggott and John Heilbron take us on a fascinating journey ... Baggott's passion for the epoch-changing ideas inherent in quantum mechanics and Heilbron's ardent devotion to the history of science shine on every page. * Mario Livio, Wall Street Journal *
In reflecting a century of fundamental debate, [Quantum Drama] reminds readers that science in its essence is a human condition. * Tilman Sauer, Science Magazine *
