nLab Niels Bohr

One of the founding fathers of quantum mechanics.

Selected writings

On the interpretation of quantum mechanics (see at Bohr topos):

  • Nils Bohr, Discussion with Einstein on Epistemological Problems in Atomic Physics in P. A. Schilpp (ed.) Albert Einstein, Philosopher-Scientist (Evanston: Library of Living Philosophers) pp. 201–241. (1949)

however far the phenomena transcend the scope of classical physical explanation, the account of all evidence must be expressed in classical terms . The argument is simply that by the word ‘experiment’ we refer to a situation where we can tell others what we have done and what we have learned and that, therefore, the account of the experimental arrangement and the results of the observations must be expressed in unambiguous language with suitable application of the terminology of classical physics.

For more see at interpretation of quantum mechanics the section Bohr’s standpoint.

when it comes to atoms, language can be used only as in poetry.

(Niels Bohr, 1920)

category: people

Last revised on October 8, 2019 at 08:28:55. See the history of this page for a list of all contributions to it.