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WHAT IS QUANTUM THEORY TELLING US ABOUT HOW NATURE WORKS?

Philip Goyal

www.philipgoyal.org Quantum theory is an extraordinarily successful physical theory. But what does it mean? What implications does it have for the mechanical conception of Nature that underlies classical physics? Remarkably, some eighty years after the creation of quantum theory, we still lack clear answers to these questions. In this paper, we discuss the nature of the obstacles that stand in our way, and describe recent work to overcome them by attempting to reconstruct the mathematics of quantum theory from a small number of simple physical ideas.www.philipgoyal.org Quantum theory is an extraordinarily successful physical theory. But what does it mean? What implications does it have for the mechanical conception of Nature that underlies classical physics? Remarkably, some eighty years after the creation of quantum theory, we still lack clear answers to these questions. In this paper, we discuss the nature of the obstacles that stand in our way, and describe recent work to overcome them by attempting to reconstruct the mathematics of quantum theory from a small number of simple physical ideas.

Aug 1, 20100 citations

James T. Cushing and Ernan McMullin, eds. , Philosophical Consequences Of Quantum Theory: Reflections on Bell's Theorem . Reviewed by

Niall Shanks

Philosophy in ReviewJan 1, 19912 citations

Quantum Nonlocality and Reality

Mary Bell, Shan 1970 or 1971- Gao

Combining twenty-six original essays written by an impressive line-up of distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics, this anthology reflects some of the latest thoughts by leading experts on the influence of Bell's theorem on quantum physics. Essays progress from John Bell's character and background, through studies of his main work, and on to more speculative ideas, addressing the controversies surrounding the theorem, and investigating the theorem's meaning and its deep implications for the nature of physical reality. Combined, they present a powerful comment on the undeniable significance of Bell's theorem for the development of ideas in quantum physics over the past 50 years. Questions surrounding the assumptions and significance of Bell's work still inspire discussion in the field of quantum physics. Adding to this with a theoretical and philosophical perspective, this balanced anthology is an indispensable volume for students and researchers interested in the philosophy of physics and the foundations of quantum mechanics.Combining twenty-six original essays written by an impressive line-up of distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics, this anthology reflects some of the latest thoughts by leading experts on the influence of Bell's theorem on quantum physics. Essays progress from John Bell's character and background, through studies of his main work, and on to more speculative ideas, addressing the controversies surrounding the theorem, and investigating the theorem's meaning and its deep implications for the nature of physical reality. Combined, they present a powerful comment on the undeniable significance of Bell's theorem for the development of ideas in quantum physics over the past 50 years. Questions surrounding the assumptions and significance of Bell's work still inspire discussion in the field of quantum physics. Adding to this with a theoretical and philosophical perspective, this balanced anthology is an indispensable volume for students and researchers interested in the philosophy of physics and the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Cambridge University Press eBooksAug 31, 201679 citations

Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Emily Adlam

Quantum mechanics is an extraordinarily successful scientific theory. But more than 100 years after it was first introduced, the interpretation of the theory remains controversial. This Element introduces some of the most puzzling questions at the foundations of quantum mechanics and provides an up-to-date and forward-looking survey of the most prominent ways in which physicists and philosophers of physics have attempted to resolve them. Topics covered include nonlocality, contextuality, the reality of the wavefunction and the measurement problem. The discussion is supplemented with descriptions of some of the most important mathematical results from recent work in quantum foundations, including Bell's theorem, the Kochen-Specker theorem and the PBR theorem.Quantum mechanics is an extraordinarily successful scientific theory. But more than 100 years after it was first introduced, the interpretation of the theory remains controversial. This Element introduces some of the most puzzling questions at the foundations of quantum mechanics and provides an up-to-date and forward-looking survey of the most prominent ways in which physicists and philosophers of physics have attempted to resolve them. Topics covered include nonlocality, contextuality, the reality of the wavefunction and the measurement problem. The discussion is supplemented with descriptions of some of the most important mathematical results from recent work in quantum foundations, including Bell's theorem, the Kochen-Specker theorem and the PBR theorem.

Cambridge University Press eBooksFeb 11, 202122 citations

THE ELECTROMAGNETIC CONCEPTION OF NATURE AND THE ORIGINS OF QUANTUM PHYSICS

Enrico Giannetto

Conference on the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: Historical Analysis and Open QuestionsJun 1, 20064 citations

Philosophy and the Interpretation of Quantum Physics

Badis Ydri

Provides an oversight of many views on the interpretation of quantum physics and the wide philosophical debate that still embroils this subject. The breadth of coverage and renewed interest surrounding the interpretation of quantum physics makes the book essential reading for physicists as well as those studying the philosophy of science.

Institute of Physics eBooksOct 1, 20210 citations

QUANTUM THEORY AND THE PHYSICISTS' CONCEPTION OF NATURE: PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BELL'S THEOREM

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QUANTUM THEORY AND THE PHYSICISTS' CONCEPTION OF NATURE: PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BELL'S THEOREM

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