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Interpreting the Quantum World

Interpreting the Quantum World

Interpreting the Quantum World

Jeffrey Bub, University of Maryland, College Park
August 1999
Paperback
9780521653862
£53.99
GBP
Paperback

    This is a book about the interpretation of quantum mechanics, in particular how to resolve the measurement problem introduced by the orthodox interpretation of the theory. The heart of the book is a new result that shows how to construct all possible 'no collapse' interpretations, subject to certain natural constraints and the limitations imposed by the hidden variable theorems. The discussion is self-contained and organized so that the technical portions may be skipped without losing the argument.

    • Hardback is joint winner of the 1998 Lakatos Award
    • Very favourably reviewed philosophy of physics book, fully revised for this paperback edition
    • Very highly regarded author

    Awards

    Joint winner of the Lakatos Award

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    Reviews & endorsements

    'In his powerful new book Bub clearly lays out the measurement problem faced by Dirac and von Neuman's interpretation of quantum mechanics … The book's first three chapters should be required reading for anyone wishing to get up to speed on contemporary discussions of the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics.' Physics Today

    'I have become deeply impressed by the philosophical value and scope of the approach to understanding quantum theory that Bub has carved out. It is an approach that I am convinced will have a major impact on the philosophy of quantum theory for at least the next decade.' Excerpt from Rob Clifton's letter to the 1998 Lakatos Award Committee

    ' … there is much to learn from Bub's book, and I recommend it without hesitation to all those who are interested in the foundations of quantum theory.' Studies in the History and Philosophy of Modern Physics

    'Bub's fine book will be a standard reference for many years.' Choice

    'The virtues Bub can claim are indisputable, and his achievement gives us a truly successful and illuminating way to understand quantum theory. The book is a must for everyone in the field.' Foundations of Physics

    'In his powerful new book Bub clearly lays out the measurement problem faced by Dirac and von Neuman's interpretation of quantum mechanics … The book's first three chapters should be required reading for anyone wishing to get up to speed on contemporary discussions of the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics.' Physics Today

    'The book contains an amazing wealth of information … there is much to learn from Bub's book, and I recommend it without hesitation to all those who are interested in the foundations of quantum theory.' Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics

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    Product details

    August 1999
    Paperback
    9780521653862
    308 pages
    247 × 174 × 18 mm
    0.648kg
    16 b/w illus.
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Introduction
    • 1. From classical to quantum mechanics
    • 2. Bell's 'no-go' theorem
    • 3. The Kochen and Specker 'no-go' theorem
    • 4. The proof of interpretation
    • 5. Quantum mechanics without observers: I
    • 6. Quantum mechanics without observers: II
    • 7. Orthodoxy
    • 8. The new orthodoxy
    • Coda
    • Appendix: some methematical machinery.
      Author
    • Jeffrey Bub , University of Maryland, College Park