Quantics: Rudiments of Quantum Physics

by Jean-Marc Lévy-Leblond, Françoise Balibar, Jean-Marc Lv̌y-Leblond

Amongst the numerous texts on the subject, the authors have succeeded in creating a novel approach to the understanding of quantum physics based on four novel
- deliberate use of qualitative methods and heuristic arguments rather than formal calculations;
- permanent reference to contemporary experimental results in many modern fields of physics (nuclear and high energy, neutronics, solid state, lasers, etc.);
- careful discussion of conceptual difficulties and terminological problems from the present standpoint;
- presentation of modern theoretical viewpoints (such as symmetry principles).

An impressive selection of original problems supplement this up-to-date and comprehensive introduction to quantum physics. Quantics - Rudiments will be appreciated by a wide audience, from educated layman to professional scientist.

Paperback

First published December 1, 1997

About the author

Jean-Marc Lévy-Leblond (born 1940) is a physicist and essayist.

After a doctorate in Theoretical Physics at the université d’Orsay in 1965, he was successively in charge of research at CNRS, lecturer at the université de Nice, a professor at the Paris Diderot University, and at Nice, where he taught in the departments of physics, philosophy and communication.

Since 2001, he has been Professor Emeritus at the Université de Nice and is program director at the Collège international de philosophie.

He has published many articles on theoretical physics, mathematics and epistemology.

He founded and directs the journal "Alliage (culture, science, technique)", directs the collection "Science ouverte" at Seuil, and works more generally for the use of science in culture.