Neils Bohr's so-called Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics is, in essence, a non-interpretation. Bohr declared that physicists had discharged their duty with respect to quantum mechanics and that it was now time for the philosophers to take over. The physicists developed a working formalism, as is the job of the scientist. But the further question — what does a universe governed by this theory look like? — is not science at all. It's philosophy.
That's not to say that scientists had nothing to say about it. John von Neumann championed the collapse interpretation. Hugh Everett's many-worlds interpretation appeals to the science fiction fan in all of us. David Bohm developed Albert Einstein's pilot wave picture. But, who is right? We will explore the questions: "What is an interpretation?" "What are these interpretations of quantum mechanics?" and "How would we go about determining which one is true?"
Steven Gimbel, professor of philosophy at Gettysburg College, will visit campus to share this exciting interdisciplinary presentation. Join us on Friday, March 31, from 12 to 1 p.m. in Hayes 211/213. Lunch will be available in Hayes 216 from 11:45 to 12:15. We hope to see you there!