Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics: Collected Papers on Quantum Philosophy

Description

John Bell, FRS was one of the leading expositors and interpreters of modern quantum theory. He is particularly famous for his discovery of the crucial difference between the predictions of conventional quantum mechanics and the implications of local causality, a concept insisted on by Einstein. John Bell's work played a major role in the development of our current understanding of the profound nature of quantum concepts and of the fundamental limitations they impose on the applicability of the classical ideas of space, time and locality. This book includes all of John Bell's published and unpublished papers on the conceptual and philosophical problems of quantum mechanics, including two papers that appeared after the first edition was published. The book includes a short Preface written by the author for the first edition, and also an introduction by Alain Aspect that puts into context John Bell's enormous contribution to the quantum philosophy debate.

Distinguished physicist well known for his work on the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics, who died in 1990.

From reviews of the first edition: '... a timely and immensely valuable book ... much of [it] is so good that it surely could not be bettered.' New Scientist '... an exemplary introduction to the continuing debates about quantum mechanics.' Nature 'Das Buch ist ein 'Muss' fur jeden, der sich fur Grundlagen dew Quantentheorieinteressiert.' Physikalische Blanter 'This book is lovely and thoughtful, and it should be read by everyone interested in fundamental questions of nature.' American Journal of Physics '... the new edition of Bell's papers is a must-buy for anyone seriously interested in the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and in understanding Bell's contribution to our grasp of the subject.' Times Higher Education Supplement