What Is Real?
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Adam Becker |
| Products | Non-fiction book on quantum physics |
What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics is a 2018 publication authored by American astronomer Adam Becker that delves into quantum physics.
Background
Becker contributed to the California Quantum Interpretation Network, a collaborative research initiative spanning several University of California campuses and other California-based universities, dedicated to exploring interpretations of quantum mechanics. In 2016, he secured funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to investigate and write about the historical development and debates surrounding Quantum foundations. His investigation culminated in the 2018 book What Is Real?, which examines the implications of quantum physics on our understanding of reality. Becker remarked:
Themes
This work examines influential individuals involved in competing interpretations of quantum theory, alongside historical contexts such as military research during World War II, Cold War-era anti-Marxist sentiments, contributions by John von Neumann, the marginalization of Grete Hermann due to gender bias, and prevailing philosophical movements like the logical positivists associated with the Vienna Circle. Niels Bohr is depicted as a central figure whose authoritative position constrained alternative perspectives. Becker disputes the common depiction of Albert Einstein as merely an opponent of quantum mechanics, emphasizing that Einstein’s thought experiments primarily challenge breaches of the principle of locality rather than simply opposing quantum indeterminacy.
Reception
The book was met with predominantly favorable critiques from publications such as the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and New Scientist. Philosopher David Wallace praised it in Physics Today as "an outstanding addition to both public comprehension and scholarly discussions." In Nature, Ramin Skibba commended its advocacy for openness and intellectual humility when interpreting quantum phenomena. The journal Science described it as a captivating summary of debates over quantum interpretation. Philosopher Tim Maudlin recognized it as a trustworthy and accessible historical account of quantum theory.
Some detractors included physicist Sheldon Glashow, who criticized what he perceived as conspiratorial insinuations related to the Copenhagen interpretation. Additional reviews in Science, Science News, and the American Journal of Physics pointed out inaccuracies in historical detail and oversimplifications in philosophical treatment.
The book earned nominations for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award and was shortlisted for Physics World Magazine's Book of the Year Award.