 |
The personal side of science
This interesting book provides a special view of quantum theory. It provides an insight into the origins of the theory based on the personal lives of its creators. The book treats scientific activity as any other cultural activity making clear that even the most "objective" of our mathematical theories (like the theories of mathematical physics) ought to be seen as cultural products within the social and political frame of their conception and (perhaps more importantly) within the professional and financial strains and aspirations of their creators. This is indeed the case from the beginning of abstract mathematical thought in ancient Greece to this day. There is no deep discussion of the mathematics/concepts of the theory and an expert in the theory would certainly not become any wiser as to its meaning. However, the greatest service provided by the text is a better understanding of the shaky foundations of the theory that was conceived as an effective model of reality as allowed by the mathematical capabilities of that time and not at all as a "fundamental" theory as understood today. The theory emerged as a recipe for understanding experiments with no intrinsic limits on its applicability or relevance to other situations. Young people interested in a realistic view of how real science is done rather than idealized, fairy-tale treatments would find this text interesting. Interesting but not captivating so four stars.Keyword : quantum+physic
No comments:
Post a Comment