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Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics

David Wallace

Published Nov 25, 2016• 68 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This is a general introduction to and review of the philosophy of quantum mechanics, aimed at readers with a physics background and assuming no prior exposure to philosophy. It is a draft version of an article to appear in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Physics.
DOI
10.4324/9781315612676-7

Related papers

Introduction*

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The purpose of this introduction is to provide the reader who is unfamiliar with contemporary debates in the metaphysics of quantum mechanics with some background in the central issues that arise in this volume. The goal is to sketch one clean, direct, accessible path from classical physics to quantum theory that will serve to clarify the main interpretive issues that arise in the volume. Key technical concepts of quantum mechanics are introduced as well as the main interpretive options.

Oxford University Press eBooks•Apr 8, 2013•26 citations

Quantum Mechanics

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From the Publisher: This book provides an introduction to the theoretical foundations of quantum mechanics for students of experimental physics. It is intended as an intermediate text for those who have already completed an introductory course in quantum physics.

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Particles and Paradoxes

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Quantum theory is our deepest theory of the nature of matter. It is a theory that, notoriously, produces results which challenge the laws of classical logic and suggests that the physical world is illogical. This book gives a critical review of work on the foundations of quantum mechanics at a level accessible to non-experts. Assuming his readers have some background in mathematics and physics, Peter Gibbins focuses on the questions of whether the results of quantum theory require us to abandon classical logic and whether quantum logic can resolve the paradoxes produced by quantum mechanics. He argues that quantum logic does not dispose of the problems faced by classical logic, that no reasonable interpretation of quantum mechanics in terms of 'hidden variables' can be found, and that after all these years quantum mechanics remains a mystery to us. Particles and Paradoxes provides a much-needed and valuable introduction to the philosophy of quantum mechanics and, at the same time, an example of just what it is to do the philosophy of physics.

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With the expansion of science, philosophy appeared to be limited more than ever on a methodology, a logical guide useful for correctness validation of scientific knowledge. Quantum mechanics makes for the first time an ontological background starting from “its own ontological potential” solidary with the basic axioms of its mathematic formalism. The article aims to review a series of new projects of contemporary philosophy which we called quantum metaphysics; both philosophical projects, among which we mention “Ortophysics” proposed by Mihai Draganescu. To complete the hermeneutic dimension we reinterpreted a series of contemporary scientific theories appreciating their cultural implications, either by juxtaposition or by contraposition with recurring ideas in the history of philosophy or religious beliefs.

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Review: (1) Quantum Philosophy: Understanding and Interpreting Contemporary Science; (2) Understanding Quantum Mechanics

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Interpreting Quantum Mechanics

David W. Snoke

This novel text directly addresses common claims and misconceptions around quantum mechanics and presents a fresh and modern understanding of this fundamental and essential physical theory. It begins with a non-mathematical introduction to some of the more controversial topics in the foundations of quantum mechanics. For those more familiar with the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, the text moves on to a general introduction to quantum field theory, followed by a detailed discussion of cutting-edge topics in this area such as decoherence and spontaneous coherence. Several important philosophical problems in quantum mechanics are considered, and their interpretations are compared, notably the Copenhagen and many-worlds interpretations. The inclusion of frequent real-world examples, such as superconductors and superfluids, ensures the book remains grounded in modern research. This book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in both physics and the philosophy of science interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 30, 2024•9 citations
Quantum theory is our deepest theory of the nature of matter. It is a theory that, notoriously, produces results which challenge the laws of classical logic and suggests that the physical world is illogical. This book gives a critical review of work on the foundations of quantum mechanics at a level accessible to non-experts. Assuming his readers have some background in mathematics and physics, Peter Gibbins focuses on the questions of whether the results of quantum theory require us to abandon classical logic and whether quantum logic can resolve the paradoxes produced by quantum mechanics. He argues that quantum logic does not dispose of the problems faced by classical logic, that no reasonable interpretation of quantum mechanics in terms of 'hidden variables' can be found, and that after all these years quantum mechanics remains a mystery to us. Particles and Paradoxes provides a much-needed and valuable introduction to the philosophy of quantum mechanics and, at the same time, an example of just what it is to do the philosophy of physics.
With the expansion of science, philosophy appeared to be limited more than ever on a methodology, a logical guide useful for correctness validation of scientific knowledge. Quantum mechanics makes for the first time an ontological background starting from “its own ontological potential” solidary with the basic axioms of its mathematic formalism. The article aims to review a series of new projects of contemporary philosophy which we called quantum metaphysics; both philosophical projects, among which we mention “Ortophysics” proposed by Mihai Draganescu. To complete the hermeneutic dimension we reinterpreted a series of contemporary scientific theories appreciating their cultural implications, either by juxtaposition or by contraposition with recurring ideas in the history of philosophy or religious beliefs.
This novel text directly addresses common claims and misconceptions around quantum mechanics and presents a fresh and modern understanding of this fundamental and essential physical theory. It begins with a non-mathematical introduction to some of the more controversial topics in the foundations of quantum mechanics. For those more familiar with the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, the text moves on to a general introduction to quantum field theory, followed by a detailed discussion of cutting-edge topics in this area such as decoherence and spontaneous coherence. Several important philosophical problems in quantum mechanics are considered, and their interpretations are compared, notably the Copenhagen and many-worlds interpretations. The inclusion of frequent real-world examples, such as superconductors and superfluids, ensures the book remains grounded in modern research. This book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in both physics and the philosophy of science interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics.