Einstein had been arguing with the Copenhagen School about quantum theory for three years. Neither party could convince the other, and neither could prove that the other was wrong.
During the debate, Einstein was slightly at a disadvantage.
At the Fifth Solvay Conference, Einstein proposed a novel thought experiment every morning, trying to prove that there were internal contradictions in quantum theory. But his scientific opponent Bohr could always challenge Einstein in the evening.
Stan came up with reasonable answers to his questions.
So much so that in the meeting that lasted for more than a month, every attack by Einstein consolidated and improved Bohr's theory.
Until now, Einstein no longer dares to completely deny quantum theory as he did at the beginning. He can only say that the existing quantum theory lacks completeness and reality.
And this thought experiment about cats goes right to the core of the "Copenhagen Interpretation" and the "uncertainty principle" it developed.
According to the current interpretation of quantum mechanics, the cat in the box is in a "dead-alive superposition state", which is both dead and alive. Only when the box is opened and the cat takes a look can one decide whether it is alive or dead.
Note that it is "decided", not "know".
Therefore, Einstein called the cat experiment the most powerful evidence against the Copenhagen School, because it could make the "uncertainty principle" self-defeating.
Einstein was very happy about this and said: "Mr. Zhou, the Sixth Solvay Conference will be held in October this year. I hope to quote your thought experiment."
"Of course, it is an honor for me to be able to participate in the most advanced scientific debate of our time." Zhou Hexuan said with a smile.
Einstein asked: "How did you come up with this experiment?"
Zhou Hexuan said: "In fact, I know little about physics, and my knowledge only stops at the mathematical principles of Newton's natural philosophy. Regarding quantum mechanics, I only recognize and think about it as philosophy. I have understood your arguments, Ling Guang
I came up with this experiment in a flash."
"A very wonderful idea." Einstein laughed.
Zhou Hexuan said: "But I am not against quantum mechanics. Perhaps, it is just that human beings' current research in the quantum field is not mature enough. With the advancement of science and technology, quantum mechanics can achieve more dazzling achievements. For example, quantum communication can replace existing communication methods.
.”
"Quantum communication?" Einstein was noncommittal and did not dwell on this issue.
If Zhou Hexuan were a physicist, Einstein might still argue, but Zhou Hexuan's rank was so low that he didn't even bother to use his professional knowledge to refute.
Quantum theory has reached a dead end, which is actually a pity for Einstein. He is one of the pioneers of quantum theory, but because of unsolvable scientific contradictions, he embarked on the path of opposing quantum mechanics.
The two stopped talking about scientific issues, but instead talked about the current economic crisis in the United States. Zhou Hexuan asserted that European countries such as Britain, France, and Germany would be affected and affected by the United States, and the level of industrial production in the capitalist world would suffer a major setback.
Immediately afterwards, the two talked about the economic crisis and the social system.
Einstein expressed concern about the political situation in Germany because the Nazi Party's seats were increasing and Nazi propaganda could be seen and heard everywhere.
The Nazi Party has been doing better in the past two years, pointing the finger of its speeches at other political parties and the existing political system. A few years ago, it would have been scary. They kept saying that the Jews had invaded the living space of the Aryan nation. If Germany wanted to revive, it had to
Deport all the Jews or even kill them.
Zhou Hexuan said: "What the Nazis promoted was actually militarism. After Hitler came to power, he would inevitably implement dictatorship step by step. The situation in Japan is similar now. Militarists openly propagandized on the streets and encouraged Japan to invade China with force. When there is a global economic crisis,
It is becoming more and more serious. When civilians in Germany and Japan cannot afford to eat three meals a day, they will inevitably be bewitched by these war elements and pass on their domestic conflicts to the people of other countries through war."
"I very much agree with your view, but it's a pity that the fascists can no longer be stopped." Einstein felt very worried.
In fact, Einstein signed the Anti-Fascist Manifesto three years ago and was elected as the honorary chairman of the International Anti-Imperial League. He was a left-wing figure ideologically, agreed with the concept of communism, supported the Soviet Union, and opposed
Imperialism and Fascism.
Zhou Hexuan took the opportunity to say: "Judging from China's current national strength, it is very difficult to resist the Japanese invasion. We must not only develop industry, but also develop science. China built two national-level research institutes last year. At present, they are only preliminary and academic.
The level is limited and we need the guidance of scientists with rich experience. If possible, I hope that Mr. Einstein can go to China for academic exchange activities. He can even serve as an honorary member of two Chinese research institutes."
Einstein's character was not withdrawn, and he was very willing to engage in academic exchanges and hold various honorary positions. In the past few years, Einstein visited South America, North America, the Middle East, the Soviet Union, and even visited Eberland almost every year.
Director of Ley University, academician of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.
If Zhou Hexuan had not issued an invitation, Einstein would have discussed the truth with Rabindranath Tagore this summer, visited the United States in the winter, and even had a playful photo taken with the Indians, and appeared in the World Disarmament Statement of the "Women's International League for Peace and Freedom"
signature.
This is a restless master. He has entered his old age and has basically published all the scientific theories that should be published. He devotes a lot of energy to social activities and the time spent in scientific research has decreased sharply.
After careful consideration, Einstein said: "I had more time before May."
Zhou Hexuan smiled and said: "How about we set off next month? Taking a train from the Soviet Union can save a lot of time."
"No problem, it's settled," Einstein said.
Einstein even had a plan. After his trip to China, he could stop by Japan and then take a boat to the United States without wasting any time.
After Zhou Hexuan said goodbye to Einstein, he immediately sent a telegram to Li Shizeng in France and Cai Yuanpei in China, asking them to prepare a reception plan.
Li Shizeng and Cai Yuanpei were overjoyed to receive the news, and Cai Yuanpei immediately notified the Nanjing National Government.
The Nanjing National Government attached great importance to this, and the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments immediately took action. Many domestic celebrities and scholars also responded, hoping to participate in the reception and accompanying work of Einstein. Major universities almost came to a fight, hoping to invite
Einstein went to his own school to give lectures.
Zhou Hexuan, accompanied by Jiang Zuobin, visited the Soviet Ambassador to Germany.
It was finally decided that everyone would set off in early February, first go to Moscow for a run, and then return home along the Siberian Railway.
Just as they boarded the train, far away in the United States, Titanic was finally published. (.)