Quantum Theory and the Structure of Reality: a brief introduction

by Jim Schnabel

A quick, math-free survey of the history of quantum mechanics and what QM implies about the structure of reality. Anyone who has had high-school physics should find it an easy read. Topics ♦ how quantum mechanics emerged from classical physics♦ Heisenberg and his Uncertainty Principle♦ early interpretations of Schrödinger’s equations♦ the two-slit experiment♦ Einstein’s rebellion against the Copenhagen Interpretation♦ the original purpose of the “Schrödinger’s cat” thought-experiment♦ the deep problems of the Copenhagen Interpretation♦ the rise of Hugh Everett’s Relative-State (“Many Worlds”) Interpretation♦ decoherence theory♦ quantum encryption and quantum computing♦ some unsettling implications of the Many Worlds Interpretation

(This is a revised/updated version of Everything and an Introduction to Quantum Probability, published in 2012. )

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2023

About the author

American science writer.

Schnabel has written for Nature, Science, New Scientist, the Washington Post, The Guardian and the Independent.

Subjects of his books include: crop circles, alien abduction en psychic detectives.