Mailer, Moonfire, and Quantum Theory

Authors

  • Raymond M. Vince Author

Keywords:

Moonfire, Of a Fire on the Moon, quantum theory, Werner Heisenberg, Apollo 11, science and literature

Abstract

How does Mailer’s Moonfire (2009) relate to quantum theory, a theory that undergirds one third of GNP, “the deepest part of our knowledge of nature” (Wheeler)? At Hiroshima, physicists unleashed a “primordial force” upon our world. Quantum theory works, but what kind of “reality” is revealed? Mailer describes a world of mystery, secrecy, dreams, and lies. Is this the quantum world? We desire certainty, but the universe has proved to be uncertain—and unbelievably strange.

Author Biography

  • Raymond M. Vince

    Raymond M. Vince has taught American Literature & Writing, Religion, and History of Science & Mathematics for over twenty-five years—at Richmond College London, various Episcopal schools, The University of Tampa, USF, Eckerd College, & HCC. He earned graduate degrees in English Literature, Theology, and Logic & Scientific Method. He has published a book, War, Heroism, and Narrative (VDM 2008), a chapter on William Morris in Arthurian Writers (2008), and five articles in The F. Scott Fitzgerald Review and The Mailer Review.

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Published

2018-10-25

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Vince, Raymond M. “Mailer, Moonfire, and Quantum Theory”. The Mailer Review, vol. 12, no. 1, Oct. 2018, pp. 84–107, https://mailerreview.org/journal/article/view/646.