CIC Hamilton Members Gain Insight into Quantum Theory

On November 22, 2017, the CIC Hamilton branch hosted physicist and philosophy of science expert Dr. Colin C M Campbell, PhD as part of the event Maupertuis’ Ghost: A Way That Explains Quantum Theory. Campbell’s lecture focused on unlocking modern quantum physics into a topic accessible for everyone.

The two great theories of modern physics are marked by notable paradoxes: Schroedinger’s cat, the multi-verse, mass can turn into energy and energy can turn into mass, that there is no cause and effect-only probability. Yet the tension between these two theories and their paradoxes are often unknown in mainstream discourse as they are primarily communicated only in the language of mathematics. Tracing the history of physics from Aristotle, to Newton to Maupertuis and the Feynman, and Heisenberg, Campbell enlightened the audience on the evolution of mankind’s understanding of space, time, particles and causality.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A that dabbled with discussions on the relationship between science and public policy, including the differences in science funding from a European approach – a search for the eternal truth – compared to a North American Approach – a preference for applied sciences.