The Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

The Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics by Jeffrey A Barrett

In this book Jeffrey A. Barrett provides an introduction to the history and conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics. He begins with a description of classical mechanics and a discussion of the quantum phenomena that radically undermine our common-sense classical intuitions about how the physical world works. He then considers the physical and conceptual arguments that led to the standard von Neumann-Dirac formulation of quantum mechanics and how the standard theory explains quantum phenomena. This includes a discussion of how the theory's two dynamical laws work with the standard interpretation of states to explain determinate measurement records, quantum statistics, interference effects, entanglement, decoherence, and quantum nonlocality. A careful understanding of how the standard theory works ultimately leads to the quantum measurement problem. Barrett considers how this problem threatens the logical consistency of the standard theory and then turns to a discussion of the main proposals for resolving it. This includes collapse formulations of quantum mechanics, the various many-worlds theories, and Bohmian mechanics. In discussing alternative formulations he pays particular attention to the explanatory role played by each theory's empirical ontology and associated metaphysical commitments, and the conceptual trade-offs between theoretical options. The book is well-suited to those interested in physics and the history and philosophy of quantum mechanics.

an excellent introductory-level text for graduate students or advanced undergraduates. . Barrett's book can serve either as an entry point for aspiring researchers or as a vehicle to make the foundations of quantum mechanics accessible to philosophers of all stripes. * Benjamin H. Feintzeig, Philosophy of Science *

Jeffrey A. Barrett is Chancellor's Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science at UC Irvine. His research involves the philosophy of physics, epistemology, and the philosophy of science more generally. Much of his research has concerned the history and conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics, particularly no-collapse formulations of quantum mechanics.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780198844693
ISBN 10	0198844697
Title	The Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
Author	Jeffrey A Barrett
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Year published	2019-12-26
Number of pages	272
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable