Schrödinger's Kittens

I remember really liking In Search of Schrödinger's Cat when I read it many years ago, and thought it might be worth checking out the sequel Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality: Solving the Quantum Mysteries. I wasn't disappointed.

You should be aware that both books are a bit dated; Schrödinger's Kittens came in 1995, about ten years after the first (bestselling) book. That does not mean they are outdated – our understanding of reality is still very much in its infancy – but if you insist on a popular science book covering later developments in physics, you might want to read Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe instead.

Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality could accurately be described as a gentle guide to a better understanding of quantum behaviour. John Gribbin writes clearly and accessibly, simplifying and explaining basic concepts where necessary without getting condescending, and displays an almost uncanny knack for putting theories into the historical and conceptual context for those "a-ha moments".

The distinction between models and objective reality is an important point to make, although Gribbin may have over-emphasized it in this book. I think he's too quick in passing judgment on models he "doesn't like"; while he may have good reasons for not feeling comfortable with a certain interpretation, the intended audience needs to be taken into consideration. I fear a reader not already well trained in scientific thinking could get the wrong impression about it from such statements.

He does however detail a number of quantum models and interpretations, encouraging the reader to use different ones while thinking about experimental evidence, and that is most helpful for a good understanding of the quantum world. Besides, how could you go wrong with a book about physics and kittens?

(Note to self: make sure all future thought experiments feature furry creatures).

30 July, 2005