Foundations of quantum theory. Part 3

Henry Krips

Henry Krips

Sanjay Moreshwar Wagh

Earlier, we had presented \cite{heuristic} heuristic arguments to show that a {\em natural unification} of the ideas of the quantum theory and those underlying the general principle of relativity is achievable by way of the measure theory and the theory of dynamical systems. Here, in Part I, we provide the complete physical foundations for this, to be called, the {\em Universal Theory of Relativity}. Newton's theory and the special theory of relativity arise, situationally, in this Universal Relativity. Explanations of quantum indeterminacy are also shown to arise in it. Part II provides its mathematical foundations. One experimental test is also discussed before concluding remarks.

Tian Yu Cao

Introduction: Conceptual issues in quantum field theory Part I. Philosophers' Interests in Quantum Field Theory: 1. Why are we philosophers interested in quantum field theory 2. Quantum field theory and the philosopher Part II. Three Approaches to the Foundations of Quantum Field Theory: 3. The usefulness of a general theory of quantized fields 4. Effective field theory in condensed matter physics 5. The triumph and limitations of quantum field theory 6. Comments Discussions Part III. Does Quantum Field Theory Need a Foundation: 7. Does quantum field theory need a foundation? Part IV. Mathematics, Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory: 8. Renormalization group theory: its basis and formulation in statistical physics 9. Where does quantum field theory fit into the big picture? 10. The unreasonable effectiveness of quantum field theory 11. Comment: the quantum field theory of physics and of mathematics Part V. Quantum Field Theory and Spacetime: Introduction 12. Quantum field theory and spacetime: formalism and reality 13. Quantum field theory of geometry 14. 'Localization' in quantum field theory: how much of QFT is compatible with what we know about spacetime 15. Comments VI. 16. What is quantum field theory and what did we think it was? 17. Comments Discussions Part VII.Renormalization Group: 18. What is fundamental physics? A renormalization group perspective 19. Renormalization group: an interesting yet puzzling idea Part VIII. Non-Abelian Gauge Theory: 20. Gauge fields, gravity and Bohm's theory 21. Is the Aharonov-Bohm effect local? Discussions Part IX. The Ontology of Particles or Fields: 22. The ineliminable classical face of quantum field theory 23. The logic of quanta 24. Do Feynman diagrams endorse a particle ontology? 25. On the ontology of QFT Part X. Panel Discussion.

Maurice Ebison

J Mehra and H Rechenberg 1982 Berlin: Springer Part 1 xlvii + 372 pp price DM75 ISBN 3 540 90642 8, Part 2 vi + 878 pp price DM85 ISBN 3 540 90667 3 These two volumes, which are the first of a massive ten-part enterprise, provide an exhaustive treatment of the foundation of quantum theory by Planck, Einstein, Bohr and Sommerfeld and the advent of its difficulties in the first quarter of the 20th century. The chief aim of the authors was to use the written resources and the recollections of leading physicists to describe the main ideas of and events in the birth of quantum theory.