Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality
Encyclopedia
Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality is a book by John Gribbin
, published in 1996, which attempts to explain the mysteries of modern quantum mechanics
in a popular-scientific
way. It is a sequel to his earlier book, In Search of Schrödinger's Cat
which was published in 1984.
In his epilogue Gribbin touches on the most recent developments of string theory
at the time of writing, and introduces the transactional interpretation
of quantum mechanics as the new "mythology
" of our time. His point being not to refute the theory, but to demonstrate how all theories can be true and mythological depending on your perspective.
John Gribbin
John R. Gribbin is a British science writer and a visiting Fellow in astronomy at the University of Sussex.- Biography :John Gribbin graduated with his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Sussex in 1966. Gribbin then earned his master of science degree in astronomy in 1967, also...
, published in 1996, which attempts to explain the mysteries of modern quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a branch of physics providing a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at the atomic and subatomic...
in a popular-scientific
Popular science
Popular science, sometimes called literature of science, is interpretation of science intended for a general audience. While science journalism focuses on recent scientific developments, popular science is broad-ranging, often written by scientists as well as journalists, and is presented in many...
way. It is a sequel to his earlier book, In Search of Schrödinger's Cat
In Search of Schrödinger's Cat
In Search of Schrödinger's Cat is a book written by physicist John Gribbin on quantum theory, discussing in layman's terms its logic and many interpretations. Gribbin explains the body of evidence leading up to the development of quantum physics and summarises the historical context in which it...
which was published in 1984.
In his epilogue Gribbin touches on the most recent developments of string theory
String theory
String theory is an active research framework in particle physics that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity. It is a contender for a theory of everything , a manner of describing the known fundamental forces and matter in a mathematically complete system...
at the time of writing, and introduces the transactional interpretation
Transactional interpretation
The transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics describes quantum interactions in terms of a standing wave formed by retarded and advanced waves. It was first proposed in 1986 by John G...
of quantum mechanics as the new "mythology
Mythology
The term mythology can refer either to the study of myths, or to a body or collection of myths. As examples, comparative mythology is the study of connections between myths from different cultures, whereas Greek mythology is the body of myths from ancient Greece...
" of our time. His point being not to refute the theory, but to demonstrate how all theories can be true and mythological depending on your perspective.