GoKawiilUnpublished Schrödinger manuscript found in Austrian library challenges his reputed views
Physics historian Flavio Del Santo of the University of Geneva has uncovered a previously unpublished three-page manuscript by Erwin Schrödinger that had sat unnoticed in an Austrian library for over 80 years. In it, Schrödinger argues that indeterminism—true randomness in nature—predates quantum mechanics itself, a position that runs counter to the common portrayal of him as uneasy with quantum randomness.
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The find could reshape historical understanding of Schrödinger's actual stance in the determinism-versus-randomness debate that has shaped quantum theory since its inception. It suggests, according to Del Santo's reading of the text, that some founders of quantum mechanics embraced indeterminism more readily and earlier than textbooks typically describe, which may prompt historians to revisit other archival materials from the era.
- A long-lost Schrödinger manuscript was discovered in an Austrian library after more than 80 years.
- The document shows Schrödinger believed in indeterminism even before quantum mechanics was formalized.
- The find challenges common portrayals of Schrödinger as uncomfortable with quantum randomness.
Schrödinger's Cat: Quantum Physics Book — If this lost manuscript piqued your curiosity about Schrödinger's views on determinism and quantum randomness, a well-written popular science book on quantum mechanics can help unpack these ideas further. It's a great way to dive deeper into the history and philosophy behind one of science's most fascinating debates.
See Schrödinger's Cat: Quantum Physics Book on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: sciencealert.com — Michelle Starr, 2026-10-22
Published there as: “A lost Schrödinger manuscript reveals a twist in quantum physics”
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