Re: Quantum Mechanics

From: George Andrews Jr. (gandrews@as.wm.edu)
Date: Thu Apr 19 2001 - 12:53:12 EDT

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    John W Burgeson wrote:

    > (snip)
    >
    > I think you are talking here of the classic Einstein-Bohr debate,
    > Einstein being the realist, who argued the above. I was not aware Feynman
    > argued it but I have only read parts of his lectures.
    >
    > Gribbin's book argues that von Neumann showed, in the mid 20th century,
    > that the realist view was not possible. Gribbin adds that von Neumann's
    > argument contained an error, just recently found. So the argument
    > continues. And the cat waits.
    >
    > Burgy (John Burgeson)
    >
    > www.burgy.50megs.com

    I would like to caution that there is indeed a reality and it is precisely
    described -- not by "spooky" things at distances -- but by the laws of
    quantum mechanics. I think it unfortunate that such language is used for
    effect; it conveys the erroneous notion that the physical world is
    incomprehensible; while classical notions do not do the job, quantum theory
    does. We have not lost certainty or causality.

    Sincerely
    George A.

    --
    George A. Andrews Jr.
    Physics/Applied Science
    College of William & Mary
    P.O. Box 8795
    Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
    



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