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How the Hippies Saved Physics

Science, Counterculture, and the Quantum Revival

Audiobook
3 of 4 copies available
3 of 4 copies available

The surprising story of eccentric young scientists who stood up to convention—and changed the face of modern physics

In the 1970s, amid severe cutbacks in physics funding, a small group of underemployed physicists in Berkeley decided to throw off the constraints of academia and explore the wilder side of science. Dubbing themselves the "Fundamental Fysiks Group," they pursued a freewheeling, speculative approach to physics. Some dabbled with LSD while conducting experiments. They studied quantum theory alongside Eastern mysticism and psychic mind reading, discussing the latest developments while lounging in hot tubs. Unlikely as it may seem, this quirky band of misfits altered the course of modern physics, forcing mainstream physicists to pay attention to the strange but exciting underpinnings of quantum theory. Their work on Bell's theorem and quantum entanglement helped pave the way for today's advances in quantum information science.

A lively and entertaining Cinderella story, How the Hippies Saved Physics takes us to a time when only the unlikeliest heroes could break the science world out of its rut.

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    • Library Journal

      November 1, 2011

      Most laypersons view scientific research either as a series of eureka moments or an evenly spaced staircase of discoveries. In fact, neither view is accurate. Each scientific field has periods of great discovery and rapid expansion (organic chemistry in the 1800s, classical genetics in the early 1900s), periods of consolidation (early 17th-century medicine), and stagnation. In the 1970s, physics was in a period of retrenchment. When a talented group of physicists began meeting to exchange ideas, their shared thoughts and speculations brought about a physics renaissance. This is the story of their mental explorations. Sean Runnette, a highly capable reader, does a good job with sometimes difficult concepts. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of science or ideas. [For a less laudatory take on this title, read the review of the Norton hc, LJ 4/15/11.--Ed.]--I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA

      Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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  • English

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