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Einstein and the Quantum - How to write a fun book about a really scary subject
Join us for the 7th talk of Yale Quantum Institute series of nontechnical talks aiming to bring a new regard to quantum physics and STEM by having experts cast new light on often-overlooked aspects of scientific work. For this event, we will investigate quantum physics and literature with our very own YQI member Douglas Stone.
After a long career in theoretical physics Douglas Stone wanted to write a book that would communicate the drama and creativity of being a physics researcher. As someone drawn to the field late in his studies, he recalled the intimidating barrier of complex equations, confusing diagrams and cool, but impenetrable technical terminology. In 2005, the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s miracle year, in which Einstein created relativity theory and a critical foundation stone for quantum theory, a solution occurred to him. Tell the true story of the atomic revolution, from the point of view of Einstein, a major but ambivalent participant in this turning point for human civilization. Einstein began as the earliest and most ardent quantist, and ended up as the theory’s greatest skeptic. Due to Einstein’s ultimate rejection of quantum mechanics on philosophical grounds, his full story had not previously been presented in a unified manner, accessible to general audiences. In this talk Stone will recount how he attempted to craft a gripping and entertaining narrative from momentous but complex history of science.