The mature Bohr and the rise of slick theory and theoreticians. From laboratory to theory ; From classical experiments to quantum theory -- Bohr's vision in practice : the old quantum theory. Spectral lines, quantum states, and a master model of the atom ; The correspondence principle as an intermediary hypothesis ; Reception ; The scientific moderator -- Toward Quantum mechanics. Quantum corpuscles, quantum waves, and the experiments ; The uncertainty principle as an intermediary hypothesis ; Metaphysical principles and heuristic rules ; New formalisms and Bohr's atom -- Complementarity established and applied -- Aftermath. Bohr and the "Copenhagen orthodoxy" ; Bohr's response to the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen argument ; The mature Bohr and the rise of slick theory and theoreticians.
Summary:
"Niels Bohr was a central figure in quantum physics, well-known for his work on atomic structure and his contributions to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this book, philosopher Slobodan Perović explores the way Bohr practiced and understood physics, and the implications of this for our understanding of modern science, especially contemporary quantum experimental physics. Perović's method of studying Bohr is philosophical-historical, and his aim is to make sense of both Bohr's understanding of physics and his method of inquiry. He argues that in several important respects, Bohr's vision of physics was driven by his desire to develop a comprehensive perspective on key features of experimental observation as well as emerging experimental work. Perović uncovers how Bohr's distinctive breakthrough contributions are characterized by a multi-layered, phased approach of building on basic experimental insights inductively to develop intermediary and overarching hypotheses. The strengths and limitations of this approach, in contrast to the mathematically or metaphysically driven approaches of other physicists at the time, made him a thoroughly distinctive kind of theorist and scientific leader. Once we see that Bohr played the typical role of a laboratory mediator, and excelled in the inductive process this required, we can fully understand the way his work was generated, the role it played in developing novel quantum concepts, and its true limitations, as well as current adherence to and use of Bohr's complementarity approach among contemporary experimentalists"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.