Subscribe now

Columnist and Physics

Why uncertainty is part of science - especially quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics had a disordered beginning in the 1920s, and is still developing today. Science is rarely a done deal, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

By Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

1 March 2023

Mathematics equation on quantum mechanic book, selective focus; Shutterstock ID 2181615439; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Dhamesh Rathod 9193/Shutterstock

ONE of the challenges of teaching is picking a textbook because finding one that is reasonably priced and at the right level for my students is hard. And the more advanced a topic is, the more likely it is to include areas that are the subject of current research, where thinking is changing in real time.

Textbooks are designed to teach a subject as if it is understood, to have an authority that gives students confidence in the contents. This method of learning, while useful for helping people get a sense of the ideas at hand, can also give the…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop