Quantum Reality: Beyond the New Physics

Richard Feynman noted that no-one understands Quantum Mechanics. OK. If you want a virtual understanding, this book is a great start. It is easy to read, easier to read than other books mentioned by reviewers, and you come out of it feeling you at least understand something of Quantum Mechanics. I enjoyed it so much I summarized my notes, so I could have my understanding of it on a few pages. I do that only with the best books I read. There is a very little bit of mathematics, but for those of us who didn't take 4 years of college level math, this is very understandable. I've also seen this book cited in other books that present Quantum Mechanics in simple terms. Since QM is replacing the Newtonian paradigm that our society is built on, this book is well worth reading. I wish I'd run across it in high school, I'd have read it as carefully as I read Lord of the Rings.

To me this is a “ nerd alert” book! I say that because it’s over my head but this book was not for me it was a gift for my husband. In order to write a review I had to get his opinion after reading it.He read this book in two days and gave it two thumbs up.

I have read a number of "laymen's" books on this subject. This was the best IMO. Perhaps I got so much out of this one because it crystallized concepts from previous books. I like the way the author came back around to the same principles several times in different chapters. He goes beyond what is observed and described to what is the ultimate reality of what things are really made of (Quantum Reality). With complicated subjects, especially those that do not conform to intuitive view, hearing something several different ways leads to one that clicks. I found that in this book.Some other writers of this subject seem to be primarily interested in showing how mysterious this subject is. Not so this guy. At the same time, he doesn't seem to "dumb down" to readers, either. Maybe it depends on where you are in QP.I write this review as someone who is not trained in college math or physics. (Liberal Arts degree. UGH.) But I am analytical and I love this subject.

For more than a decade I have had a passion for reading about new research and developments in science and technology. One of these topics included quantum physics. Even though I have read numerous books on this subject I did miss a few of the earlier books written exploring the new physics. Even though this book (Quantum Reality: Beyond the new physics: An excursion into metaphysics and the meaning of reality by Nick Herbert) is somewhat dated; (published in 1985, more than 35 years ago) nevertheless, I decided to purchase it on Amazon.I just finished reading this book and I found the author’s approach a little different in that he does question some of the conclusions made by many scientists studying quantum physics. Indeed, over the years I have also wondered about whether reality is as objective as I thought it is, or is it just an illusion of pure energy.This book is organized into thirteen chapters covering the following topics: The quest for reality, physicists losing their grip, quantum theory takes charge, facing the quantum facts, wave motion, meet the champ: quantum theory itself, describing the indescribable, the quantum measurement problem, four quantum realities, the Einstein-Podolsky –Rosen paradox, Bell’s interconnectness Theorem, and the future of quantum reality.Even though this book was published in 1985 I did find this volume to be thought provoking and a good read.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles of the most effective Combative Systems).

Nick Herbert has done a great service by trying to look behind the veil which hides what underlies quantum mechanics. One thing we do know is that reality is non-local. Just what this has to do with the price of eggs in China is not clear. Quantum mechanics gives probilities for the position of electrons and protons in the Hydrogen molecule. However until an actual measurement is made you can't tell where the parts are. Electrons are real particles (which can act like waves) and so are Protons and Neutrons. The idea that things are made real by being observed by a conscious entity does not make much sense to me, Neptune was found by its gravitational effect before anyone ever saw it. The Universe is about 12 or 13 billion years old and the earth about 4.5 billion. I am sure that things happened long before there were humans (about 7 million years ago), it seems like the height of hubris to think that we are in any way important to the development of the universe.I recommend the book to everyone who is interested in what reality is.

The shipping was fast and the book looks totally new. I'm very pleased with seller. :)

This is an excellent introduction to quantum mechanics. The writer gives only as much history as necessary, but focuses on interpreting the meaning of the theory, using a variety of analogies and alternative framing a to make sure the reader can understand the implications. Of particular note are the chapter on his 'synthesizer theorem' stating that waveforms do not need to be of the 'sin' form but rather any measurement can be thought of as have its own unique pattern, he then uses this to illustrate the implications for the uncertainty principle. There is also two chapters on interpretations of quantum mechanics, focusing on the 'measurement problem' and uncertainty. The book then proceeds to explain the EPR paradox, Bells Theorem, entanglement and its implications. The age of the book seems to have little impact on its usefulness. Highly recommended.

non deve mancare nella libreria di un fisico. Un capolavoro

Easily one of the best layman's books on quantum mechanics i've ever read (i've read over 25 at last count). The analogies used to explain complex quantum concepts are some of the best i've come across. The book focuses fully on quantum mechanics and not any TOE (thankfully). Although its quite an old text it doesn't really feel dated, as there haven't been too many further discoveries in this field.

J‘Ai beaucoup aimé ce livre de très bonne vulgarisation qui prend le lecteur par la main pour le faire pénétrer dans la complexité et la variété des interpretations de la théorie quantique bien au delà de l’interprétation dominante de Copenhagen.

By far the most understandable and well-written book on the subject of the most interesting part of quantum physics; namely the Reality. This book is likely not intended for scholars or math pros, as there is very little math involved; Rather, it is an exploration into the fundamental problem.There are 8 models of Reality that are acceptable, according to rock-hard data. Before you get worried about that, your favourite fantasy or your current hangup is likely included in the list.As each major scientific breakthrough has created a new paradigm in human society, so it will be with the new physics. The mind-bending perfection of Schrödinger's work, together with Bell's lovely and simple proof of it, has already changed the world in so many ways. It is not over yet.It took some 40-some years for anyone to create an experiment that would prove that the stranger bits of the science must be true, and some 10 years after that for someone to get around to proving it. For all of the money spent fighting about religion, there seems precious little spent proving it.Let's get it together, World. We are clearly in a strange and wonderful place.

The front cover of "Quantum Reality" has the subtext "Beyond the new Physics, an Excursion into Metaphysics and The Meaning of Reality", a label that might tend to frighten one off. That would be a great pity, because anyone interested in physics and popular science will find this book very rewarding.Being interested in popular science myself, I have read quite a number of books over the years dealing with the general evolution of scientific knowledge. Some of these books have been more accessible than others, some more specific in content, some very enjoyable and others not so. Many of these books have dealt to some degree with quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics, or quantum physics, deals with the world of the very small, the atomic and sub-atomic world. Strange, counter intuitive, illogical things appear to happen there. That world is too small to observe directly, so it can be explored only through the experimental observation of its effects, and through theory and mathematics. The experimental and mathematical verification of basic quantum theory is staggeringly convincing. But nobody, absolutely nobody, knows what reality it describes, or how it works. The famous and brilliant physicist Richard Feynman once said "I think that it is safe to say that no one understands quantum mechanics".All this might seem a little discouraging to the potential reader. But if you have an interest in the subject, however slight, I recommend this book highly. Nick Herbert has produced a fine work which treats the subject in a non-sensationalist and comprehensible manner - inasmuch as quantum physics can ever be comprehensible. You don't have to have any math to enjoy it, just an open and inquiring mind. The book can be an introduction to the subject or, for those who have been there before, a valuable alternative approach. As another famous scientist once said (his name escapes me) "The world is not only stranger than we think it is; it's stranger than we CAN think it is". All very intriguing, stimulating and enjoyable stuff.