I wanted to post this history of quantum theory because it highlights the evolution of the development of a field of study, of a discipline, of how theories are modified and adapted as new discoveries are made, but rarely completely overturned. (yes, this applies to climate change and evolution and molecular biology and many other fields of study as well)
There aren’t many ideas so widely discussed and just as widely misunderstood as Quantum Theory. I’ve written several articles on the subject, but choose to focus this series of articles on a concise history of the idea to provide a context that precludes misunderstandings. These misunderstandings largely result from the fact that there are a lot of high tech programs in the media that present the science in a sanitized format with simplistic illustrations and demonstrations that lend themselves to misinterpretation.
Planck knew he was revolutionizing physics, but despite his reputation as an accomplished scientist, the idea proved too bizarre for anyone to take seriously. It would then be between 1905 through 1964 involving another series of specific individuals and dates that we see the gradual emergence of the Quantum Age. Around this time many leading physicists found themselves sliding down the rabbit hole and returning to the old drawing board of Natural Philosophy as the certainty of Newtonian-classical physics began crumbling under the weight of newer discoveries.
Our story begins towards the end of the 18th century as a longstanding controversy between Isaac Newton and Christian Huygens regarding the nature of light a century earlier was only now receiving attention, and that will be where we start with Part One.
~Scott
If you like the video at the link above, please consider sending in a donation to support his effort to create a full-fledged documentary available to all (as opposed to the snippets produced for students and faculty). You'll get a DVD and letter of appreciation! Thanks!
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
