Emphasis is from Dr. Griffiths:
I posted this in the physics subforum to have a discussion as to the fact that quantum mechanics is fundamentally different than our classical notions of space and time, which means that such arguments as the Aristotelian Kalam Cosmological Argument are DOA as far as modern physics is concerned.
Of course, it is clear to me that Dr. Craig does not understand what quantum mechanics does.
Quote:Unlike Newton's mechanics, or Maxwell's electrodynamics, or Einsteins' relativity, quantum theory was not created -- or even definitively packaged -- by one individual, and it retains to this day some of the scars of its exhilarating but traumatic youth. There is no general consensus as to what its fundamental principles are, how it should be taught, or what it really "means". Every competent physicist can "do" quantum mechanics, but the stories we tell ourselves about what we are doing are as various as the tales of Scheherazade, and almost as implausible. Richard Feynam (one of its greatest practitioners) remarked, "I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics."
The purpose of this book is to teach you how to do quantum mechanics. Apart from some essential background in Chapter 1, the deeper quasi-philosophical questions are saved for the end. I do not believe one can intelligently discuss what quantum mechanics means until one has a firm sense of what quantum mechanics does. But if you absolutely cannot wait, by all means read the Afterword immediately following Chapter 1.
Not only is quantum theory conceptually rich, it is also technically difficult, and exact solutions to all but the most artificial textbook examples are few and far between... (Preface, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 3rd edition, Professor David J. Griffiths, Reed College)
I posted this in the physics subforum to have a discussion as to the fact that quantum mechanics is fundamentally different than our classical notions of space and time, which means that such arguments as the Aristotelian Kalam Cosmological Argument are DOA as far as modern physics is concerned.
Of course, it is clear to me that Dr. Craig does not understand what quantum mechanics does.
