For a century, most physicists have followed Niels Bohr's Copenhagen interpretation and dismissed questions about the reality underlying quantum physics as meaningless. But ask what it means, and the result will be a brawl. “With his crisp voice, Becker lucidly relates the complicated history of quantum foundations.Every physicist agrees quantum mechanics is among humanity's finest scientific achievements. “Becker has done a great service in putting this fascinating story together into a single easily digestible volume that is gripping, authoritative, and true….I sincerely hope it gains an extremely wide readership and manages to have a powerful influence.” - Quantum Times What Is Real? is an argument for keeping an open mind.” - Nature That’s a key call, with influential scientists such as Neil deGrasse Tyson dismissing the discipline as a waste of time. “Becker…make a case for the importance of philosophy. What Is Real? offers an engaging and accessible overview of the debates surrounding the interpretation of quantum mechanics.” - Science “A riveting storyteller, Becker brings to life physicists who have too long remained in the shadow of Bohr and Einstein…. “Splendid…With deeply detailed research, accompanied by charming anecdotes about the scientists.” - Washington Post “A thorough, illuminating exploration of the most consequential controversy raging in modern science…one that raises thorny philosophical questions.” - New York Times “Fascinating…An excellent, accessible account.” - Wall Street Journal “Becker’s book is one of the first attempts we have at telling…who won these debates about the Copenhagen interpretation, who lost them, who pretended otherwise, and how they got away with it…He has clearly done extensive and meticulous historical research.” What Is Real? is the gripping story of this battle of ideas and the courageous scientists who dared to stand up for truth.
And yet, from the 1920s to today, physicists like John Bell, David Bohm, and Hugh Everett persisted in seeking the true meaning of quantum mechanics. As a result, questioning the status quo long meant professional ruin. A mishmash of solipsism and poor reasoning, Copenhagen endured, as Bohr’s students vigorously protected his legacy and the physics community favored practical experiments over philosophical arguments. For a century, most physicists have followed Niels Bohr’s Copenhagen interpretation and dismissed questions about the reality underlying quantum physics as meaningless.
The untold story of the heretical thinkers who dared to question the nature of our quantum universeĮvery physicist agrees quantum mechanics is among humanity’s finest scientific achievements.
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