Jim Baggott

Science Writer, Cape Town, South Africa

Jim Baggott is an award-winning British science writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. He is the co-author with John Heilbron of Quantum Drama: From the Bohr-Einstein Debate to the Riddle of Entanglement (2024).

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Bluesky

Written by Jim Baggott

Abstract colourful illustration showing various sections of a face and a black cat with lines and geometric shapes, from the perspective of someone peeing into a box.

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Physics

The cat that wouldn’t die

The weird paradox of Schrödinger’s cat has found a lasting popularity. What does it mean for the future of quantum physics?

Jim Baggott

Abstract artwork featuring geometric shapes, primarily red and black triangles, against a white background. Russian text is interspersed, with a red triangle pointing rightward and a large white circle on the right. Various smaller shapes and text elements are scattered around.

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Quantum theory

Quantum dialectics

When quantum mechanics posed a threat to the Marxist doctrine of materialism, communist physicists sought to reconcile the two

Jim Baggott

Black-and-white photo of a man looking at a projector screen displaying scientific diagrams and symbols.

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History of science

Calculate but don’t shut up

The cliché has it that the Copenhagen interpretation demands adherence without deep enquiry. That does physics a disservice

Jim Baggott

Abstract digital artwork with vibrant neon lines and swirls in various colours on a black background, creating a dynamic visual effect.

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Philosophy of science

How science fails

For the émigré philosopher Imre Lakatos, science degenerates unless it is theoretically and experimentally progressive

Jim Baggott

An unlit candle beside a lit one reflected in a mirror creating the illusion both are lit, on a table with a dark background.

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Philosophy of science

But is it science?

Theoretical physicists who say the multiverse exists set a dangerous precedent: science based on zero empirical evidence

Jim Baggott

Vintage photo of Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr in hats and suits walking down a street with trees and buildings in the background.

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History of science

What Einstein meant by ‘God does not play dice’

Jim Baggott