Einstein’s Struggles with Quantum Theory: A Re-Appraisal, presents an account of all aspects of Einstein’s encounter with quantum theory. Until recently it was accepted that, after important early work, Einstein was simply unable to follow Niels Bohr’s approach to quantum theory, and that Einstein’s own views, centered on realism, were of no interest. This book follows modern scholarship arguing that Einstein’s arguments were well constructed, in the Einstein-Bohr debate his position was legitimate, and his pragmatic approach to realism stimulated John Bell and encouraged the emergence of quantum information theory. The book provides a readable account of Einstein’s achievements in quantum theory, his own views, and the progress his work has stimulated since his death. While some chapters use mathematics at an undergraduate physics level, a path is provided for the reader more concerned with ideas than equations, and the book should be of interest to anybody interested in Einstein and his approach to the quantum.
From the reviews:
"The book is serious, competent, and most engaging. Its declared aim is a reappraisal of Einstein's critical attitude toward quantum theory. ... I recommend Einstein's Struggles with Quantum Theory to physicists who are interested in their past and to historians and philosophers who are curious about today's quantum physics." (Tilman Sauer, Physics Today, May, 2008)
"This fascinating book presents and defends Einstein's work on quantum theory. ... Let me sum up by saying that I recommend this book in the very highest of terms: Home and Whitaker have produced a wonderful book that will appeal to physicists, historians, and philosophers alike. ... Indeed, this book constitutes an excellent argument for quantum foundations research. Furthermore, although nominally about Einstein's views, given its range, simplicity, and clarity I think it would make an excellent 'first encounter' with quantum theory." (Dean Rickles, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2008 g)
"The authors feel ... that their book is the first to provide a comprehensive account of Einstein's encounter with quantum theory. ... the book should be of interest to a wide range of readers. Anybody with an interest in Einstein and quantum theory should be able understand the main themes of the book and appreciate Einstein's underestimated influence in quantum theory." (Roland Carchon, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
"This book presents a lot of commented historical facts together with the respective references. ... this book is a precious and useful contribution to the history of quantum mechanics which especially gives insight into the thinking and influence to the development of quantum theory by Albert Einstein." (K.-E. Hellwig, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1167, 2009)
"The book is serious, competent, and most engaging. Its declared aim is a reappraisal of Einstein's critical attitude toward quantum theory. ... I recommend Einstein's Struggles with Quantum Theory to physicists who are interested in their past and to historians and philosophers who are curious about today's quantum physics." (Tilman Sauer, Physics Today, May, 2008)
"This fascinating book presents and defends Einstein's work on quantum theory. ... Let me sum up by saying that I recommend this book in the very highest of terms: Home and Whitaker have produced a wonderful book that will appeal to physicists, historians, and philosophers alike. ... Indeed, this book constitutes an excellent argument for quantum foundations research. Furthermore, although nominally about Einstein's views, given its range, simplicity, and clarity I think it would make an excellent 'first encounter' with quantum theory." (Dean Rickles, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2008 g)
"The authors feel ... that their book is the first to provide a comprehensive account of Einstein's encounter with quantum theory. ... the book should be of interest to a wide range of readers. Anybody with an interest in Einstein and quantum theory should be able understand the main themes of the book and appreciate Einstein's underestimated influence in quantum theory." (Roland Carchon, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
"This book presents a lot of commented historical facts together with the respective references. ... this book is a precious and useful contribution to the history of quantum mechanics which especially gives insight into the thinking and influence to the development of quantum theory by Albert Einstein." (K.-E. Hellwig, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1167, 2009)