Einstein & Quantum Mechanics ??

Question

Why did Einstein regret that he played a role in the emergence of quantum mechanics ?
and how does the emergence of quantum mechanics change the way that we think about science ??

Thank you.

Answer 1

Einsteins main regret was the effect the atomic bomb. Both as a weapon of mass destruction and as a catalyst in the succeeding arms race.

It changes the way we think about science in many ways. Among the most interesting are:


-To explain certain results, you need to emply mathematics that has never been seen in nature before. the square of -1 iss needed to explain some spin properties of small particles. More than 3 dimensions (some theories require 16 !) are required to explain certain super string properties.

-Quantuum mechanics enable us to (theoretically) produce unlimited amounts of power.

-With enough energy, it is possible (again as yet theoretically) to fold space and travel between two places in space faster than possible in unfolded space.

Answer 2

Einstein didn't like the way quantum mechanics introduced chance into physics, hence his famous quote about God not playing dice. I don't think he regretted it though. Einstein regretted the part he played in developing the A bomb, but that was signing a letter to President Roosevelt rather than his physics.

The second part of your question is too deep for me, but I suppose it brings into question the idea of causality and the effect of the observer on the observation.

Answer 3

Hmm wish I knew..