torsdag 17 oktober 2013

Quantum Contradictions 21: The Reference Frame


Feynman at the Nobel Banquet 1965: I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics...I don't know anything about the Nobel Prize, I don't understand what's it all about or what's worth what. If the people in the Swedish academy decides that X, Y or Z wins the Nobel Prize, then so be it. I won't have anything to do with it. It's a pain in the neck...ha..ha..hah...If someone tells you they understand quantum mechanics then all you’ve learned is that you’ve met a liar.
     

Lubos Motl behind The Reference Frame does not like the questions about the physical meaning (foundation) of quantum mechanics being posed by the Spanish physicist Pablo Echenique-Robba in the article:
The title of the article connects to the famous "Shut up and calculate!" outburst by Dirac upon similar questions in the 1930s, which Lubos now follows up with:
  • The universal postulates of quantum mechanics, its probabilistic, proposition-based character, and its intimate connection with linear algebra are the main targets of the Spanish crank's assault when it comes to the ideas.. 
  • Richard Feynman, Niels Bohr, and the authors of almost all textbooks of quantum mechanics are victims of his ad hominem attacks... 
Lubos wants to silence anyone (including me) who dares to question "the universal postulates of quantum mechanics, its probabilistic, proposition-based character, and its intimate connection with linear algebra" and throws invectives instead of simply using the scientific method he prides himself to follow.

But the questions remain and "shut up" is not an answer, in particular not a scientific answer.

PS For more on my views on quantum mechanics see Dr Faustus of Modern PhysicsMany-Minds Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Contradictions 1-20.

3 kommentarer:

  1. I just want to silence them on the platform of science because what these cranks are babbling has nothing to do with science and science shouldn't be a platform on which all idiots freely babble nonsense according to their will.

    "Shut up" is perhaps no answer but that's because there's no meaningful question in this debate, either.

    SvaraRadera
  2. Lubos: you are misjudging the criticism if quantum mechanics. It points to an essential question and making ridicule is not science.

    SvaraRadera
  3. Lubos, let me remind you a quote of Landau-Lifshitz: "A more general theory can usually be formulated in a logically complete manner, independently of a less general theory which forms a limiting case of it. [...] It is impossible, however, to formulate the basic concepts of quantum mechanics without using classical mechanics". I mention it because you've said again and again that Landau is in your group.

    SvaraRadera