Abstract
SUMMARY. — The formalisms of quantum mechanics, invented in 1925-26, were very quickly and successfully deployed in solving many problems of atomic and molecular physics. For most physicists these successes expressed the physical meaning of the theory. For a few others, mainly German-speaking physicists closely associated with Niels Bohr, quantum mechanics brought a new definition of knowledge applicable to all exercises of the pure and applied reason. In this paper I describe some of the psychological traits of Bohr and the young men he inspired to extend his epistemological teachings to biology, depth psychology, and other fields remote from the quantum theory of the atom. By calling attention to these traits I aim not to belittle Bohr's thought or its extrapolations, but rather to show how an unsystematic philosophy developed in a particular time and place, and with reference to special problems in atomic physics, could have laid claim to universal validity. I conclude with a parallel between Bohr and his band on the one hand and Newton and his immediate disciples on the other.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
