Introduction and Overview (1): Selected Questions in Quantum Mechanics

Yakir Aharonov

After a general introduction, some new developments on the more subtle predictions of Quantum Mechanics and their interpretation will be discussed. These include non-local topological effects, physics of pre- and post-selected quantum systems, and the question of observability of the Schrödinger wave itself.

David Wallace

Abstract This introductory chapter provides an overview of philosophy of physics, which is an interdisciplinary field sitting between physics proper, mainstream philosophy, and the general philosophy of science, and communicating ideas and insights between them. Philosophy of physics is mostly concerned not with physics as a whole but with particular areas within it. Given a field in physics, one can consider the conceptual—that is, philosophical—questions that arise in that field, and the problems in each sub-field are distinctive. The chapter briefly discusses many of these, including some in cutting-edge areas of physics like quantum cosmology, black holes, and string theory. But it notes that the bulk of work in philosophy of physics is concerned with three areas where the physics is reasonably well established: the philosophy of spacetime; the philosophy of statistical mechanics; and the philosophy of quantum mechanics.

Robert L. Sproull, W. A. Phillips

This introduction to the concepts and methods of quantum mechanics employs the analysis of one-dimensional problems to offer students a quantitative understanding of atomic, molecular, solid-state, and nuclear physics. Meaningful problems — supplemented by illustrations, applications, and exercises — address the most intriguing questions of modern physics. Includes answers to select problems. 1980 edition.