Heisenberg: Physics and Philosophy
From Scienticity
Scienticity: | |
Readability: | |
Hermeneutics: | |
Charisma: | |
Recommendation: | |
Ratings are described on the Book-note ratings page. |
Werner Heisenberg, Physics & Philosophy : The Revolution in Modern Science; introduction by David Lindley. New York : Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2007 (originally published in German, 1958). xxi + 201 pages; illustrated.
This is a history of physics and the philosophy of natural science, while at the same time being a defense of the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum theory. It is grounded in the argument between classical physics and quantum physics that was then ongoing at the time of publication [in 1958].
Heisenberg gives equal time to the detractors of the Copenhagen Interpretation, even as he refutes each one. It is an interesting read today, as much of the old argument has been proven obsolete. A rather difficult read, it is still very much worth the time to complete.
-- Notes by MSJ