What Is Real?
- Author Adam Becker
- Narrator Greg Tremblay
- Publisher Blackstone Publishing
- Publish Date 20 March 2018
- Run Time 11 hours and 45 minutes
- Format Audio
- Genre Biography: science, technology and medicine, History of science, Quantum physics (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory), Relativity physics.
Click to open directly in the xigxag app.
Flexible Pricing & Rewards For Listening
At xigxag, the more you read, the less you pay* on select audiobook and x-book® titles, as in the table below. Pricing updates automatically in the app and resets one year after your first purchase. And you can always find a selection of brilliant titles available for only €4.95.
*Only the full price titles you buy count toward your personal pricing tier. Full price titles don’t include Listen for Less or other books bought with a voucher or discount code.
Titles Purchased
- 1-5
- 6-10
- 11-15
- 16-20
- Over 20
Price p/Title
- €9.95
- €8.95
- €7.95
- €6.95
- €5.95
Listen to a sample
What to expect
The untold story of the heretical thinkers who dared to question the nature of our quantum universe
Every physicist agrees quantum mechanics is among humanity’s finest scientific achievements. But ask what it means, and the result will be a brawl. For a century, most physicists have followed Niels Bohr’s Copenhagen interpretation and dismissed questions about the reality underlying quantum physics as meaningless. A mishmash of solipsism and poor reasoning, Copenhagen endured, as Bohr’s students vigorously protected his legacy and the physics community favored practical experiments over philosophical arguments. As a result, questioning the status quo long meant professional ruin. And yet, from the 1920s to today, physicists like John Bell, David Bohm, and Hugh Everett persisted in seeking the true meaning of quantum mechanics.
What Is Real? is the gripping story of this battle of ideas and the courageous scientists who dared to stand up for truth.
Critics Review
“Fascinating…An excellent, accessible account.”
“A thorough, illuminating exploration of the most consequential controversy raging in modern science…one that raises thorny philosophical questions.”
“Splendid…With deeply detailed research, accompanied by charming anecdotes about the scientists.”
“A riveting storyteller, Becker brings to life physicists who have too long remained in the shadow of Bohr and Einstein…. What Is Real? offers an engaging and accessible overview of the debates surrounding the interpretation of quantum mechanics.”
“Becker…make[s] a case for the importance of philosophy. That’s a key call, with influential scientists such as Neil deGrasse Tyson dismissing the discipline as a waste of time. What Is Real? is an argument for keeping an open mind.”
“Becker has done a great service in putting this fascinating story together into a single easily digestible volume that is gripping, authoritative, and true….I sincerely hope it gains an extremely wide readership and manages to have a powerful influence.”
“Becker’s book is one of the first attempts we have at telling…who won these debates about the Copenhagen interpretation, who lost them, who pretended otherwise, and how they got away with it…He has clearly done extensive and meticulous historical research.”
“With his crisp voice, Becker lucidly relates the complicated history of quantum foundations.”
More from the same
About xigxag
Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.
Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.
Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.