Unconscious Quantum: Metaphysics in Modern Physics and Cosmology FROM THE PUBLISHER
In this fascinating and accessible book, physicist Victor J. Stenger guides the lay reader through the key developments of quantum mechanics and the debate over its apparent paradoxes. In the process, he critically appraises recent metaphysical fads popularized by such authors as Deepak Chopra and Fritjof Capra. Dr. Stenger's knack for elucidating scientific ideas and controversies in language that the nonspecialist can comprehend opens up to the widest possible audience a wealth of information on the most important findings of contemporary physics. Stenger makes it clear that current scientific hypotheses about the material nature of reality are all we need to explain the available evidence and that mystical notions say more about the human need to believe than about the fundamental makeup of the universe.
FROM THE CRITICS
BookList - Gilbert Taylor
Concerned that mysticism seems to be invading physics, physicist Stenger embarks in this book on a voyage to debunk quackery in the quantum world. Heading his New Age opponents off at the pass, Stenger devotes a hefty chunk of his text to the experiments in which the behavior of electrons is interpreted as a wave/particle duality. According to his presentation, some mystics seize on that indeterminacy of the quantum world as evidence that hidden, supernatural forces seethe beneath the quantum world. Since electrons apparently move around regardless of time and space, surely the consciousness can, too? Stenger may have to tolerate such assertions when nonphysicists like Deepak Chopra write best-selling proclamations that the human mind is immortal. However, when esteemed collegial physicist-authors (e.g., Roger Penrose and Paul Davies) also see proofs of God in quantum theory or a purposefully designed universe, poor Stenger's patience runs out. His goal is to warn off readers of those authors. He also hopes to keep current physics students from making the same error, and libraries may consider acquisition with them in mind.
Booknews
Stenger (physics, astronomy, U. of Hawaii) guides general readers through the key developments of quantum mechanics and the debate over its apparent paradoxes, and debunks the alleged relationship between quantum physics and recent metaphysical fads popularized by authors including Deepak Chopra and Fritjof Capra. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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