Dr Faustus of Modern Physics - Department of Speech, Music and ...

Chapter 20
Max Born: I Did It!
First of all, I will explain how quantum mechanics and its statistical
interpretation arose. Mathematics, as often happens, was cleverer
than interpretative thought. (Born)
20.1 Statistical Interpretation
It was Max Born who in 1927 gave (the modulus squared of) the Schrödinger
wave function of quantum mechanics an interpretation as a particle configuration
probability, and thereby allowed Bohr to “brainwash a whole generation
of modern physicists” with his Copenhagen Interpretation and in particular
send the dissidents Schrödinger and Einstein into permanent intellectual
exile.
To introduce statistics into physics was monumental sacrifice of classical
scientific values, and the executioner Born did not become eligible for the
Nobel Prize until 1954, when his awful deed had been forgotten. His student
Heisenberg got the Prize already in 1932, and so Born had to wait long to
get his due. He suffered for 22 years. He did it, but did not get the credit,
because his hands were bloody?
Born expresses his feelings in [4]:
• The fact that I did not receive the Nobel Prize in1932 together with
Heisenberg hur me very much at the time, in spite of a kind letter from
Heisenberg.
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