The origins of quantum drama and the critical view of Paul Ehrenfest



Document title: The origins of quantum drama and the critical view of Paul Ehrenfest
Journal: Revista mexicana de física E
Database: PERIÓDICA
System number: 000427236
ISSN: 1870-3542
Authors: 1
2
Institutions: 1Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León. México
2El Colegio de México, Ciudad de México. México
Year:
Season: Ene-Jun
Volumen: 63
Number: 1
Country: México
Language: Inglés
Document type: Artículo
Approach: Analítico, teórico
English abstract In this paper we address the quantum drama that emerged from tensions around the different paradigms of physical explanation that had been developed throughout the nineteenth century. We will draw special attention to the relevance that, in order to understand this revolution in physics, have the scientific dimensions that go beyond its experimental and logical aspects, namely the important role played by the imagination, the use of mental experiments, the use of simple models, analogies, metaphors, etc. The criticism and contribution of Paul Ehrenfest on the quantum hypothesis, which he was interested in, unlike other physicists, from the very beginning, is a very valuable resource for studying the origins and these facets of quantum theory. In his writings on the subject, Ehrenfest strives to clarify the validity of the analogies and methodologies used and cares about the nature of the hypothesis, assumptions and conditions used, giving his thoughts a character of epistemological interest. We will show in what way the success attained by physics in these times of conceptual struggle, probably depended on the existence of a balance between the conservative attitude of some scientists and the more open nature of others, and between imagination and creativity of certain physicists and the skeptical and critical character of others
Disciplines: Física y astronomía
Keyword: Física,
Ehrenfest, Paul,
Mecánica cuántica,
Cuantos energéticos,
Hipotésis cuántica
Keyword: Ehrenfest, Paul,
Quantum mechanics,
Energy quanta,
Quantum hypothesis
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