The Message of the Atoms: Essays on Wolfgang Pauli and the Unspeakable

ISBN-13: 9783642644573 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 206 str.

Kalervo V. Laurikainen

Opis

The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics has established the language that is generally used when quantum mechanics is applied. In Parts I and II and in the first chapter of Part III, the author describes the main features in the philosophy behind the Copenhagen interpretation. What then follows are his personal views on the basis of this "Copenhagen philosophy." Although Pauli has been the author's most important guide, the reader should understand that he only gives a personal interpretation of what Pauli's philosophy implies in these important questions.

Spis treści

I Problems.- 1. Purgatory.- 2. The Atoms Have the Floor.- 3. Scientism.- 4. The Power of Materialism.- II Facts and Interpretations.- 5. Ontology Implied by the Copenhagen Interpretation.- Original Texts of the Quotations Referred to in Chap. 5.- 6. Basic Features in Wolfgang Pauli’s Philosophy.- 7. On the Meaning of Complementarity.- 8. On the Criticism by Natural Scientists.- III Creation.- 9. Freedom.- 10. Numinosum.- 11. The World of Spirit.- 12. The Problem of the Fourth.- IV The Outline of Reality.- 13. The Psychophysical World.- 14. The Reality Beyond.- 15. Reality and Values.- 16. Hubris and Punishment (A Personal Vision).- Appendix: Italian Guests.- References.

Blurb

The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics has established the language that is generally used when quantum mechanics is applied. In Parts I and II and in the first chapter of Part III, the author describes the main features in the philosophy behind the Copenhagen interpretation. What then follows are his personal views on the basis of this "Copenhagen philosophy". The author hopes to convince the reader of the incompatibility of quantum mechanics with realism if the latter neglects the role of consciousness in the conceptions of reality. He also tries to pave the road for a timely discussion of the science-religion debate in view of a correct interpretation of the message of nature spelled out in the language of quantum physics.