Interpreting Quantum Theories

Laura Ruetsche

ISBN 10: 0199681066 / ISBN 13: 9780199681068

Editore: Oxford University Press, 2013

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Philosophers of quantum mechanics have generally addressed exceedingly simple systems. Laura Ruetsche offers a much-needed study of the interpretation of more complicated systems, and an underexplored family of physical theories, such as quantum field theory and quantum statistical mechanics, showing why they repay philosophical attention. Num Pages: 398 pages, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: HP; PDA; PH; PHQ. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly. Dimension: 233 x 158 x 22. Weight in Grams: 574. . 2013. 1st Edition. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Codice articolo V9780199681068

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: Interpreting Quantum Theories
• Editore: Oxford University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 2013
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0199681066
• ISBN 13: 9780199681068
• Rilegatura: Brossura
• Condizione: New

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

Traditionally, philosophers of quantum mechanics have addressed exceedingly simple systems: a pair of electrons in an entangled state, or an atom and a cat in Dr. Schrodinger's diabolical device. But recently, much more complicated systems, such as quantum fields and the infinite systems at the thermodynamic limit of quantum statistical mechanics, have attracted, and repaid, philosophical attention. Interpreting Quantum Theories has three entangled aims. The first is to guide those familiar with the philosophy of ordinary Qm into the philosophy of 'Qm infinity', by presenting accessible introductions to relevant technical notions and the foundational questions they frame. The second aim is to develop and defend answers to some of those questions. Does quantum field theory demand or deserve a particle ontology? How (if at all) are different states of broken symmetry different? And what is the proper role of idealizations in working physics? The third aim is to highlight ties between the foundational investigation of Qm infinity and philosophy more broadly construed, in particular by using the interpretive problems discussed to motivate new ways to think about the nature of physical possibility and the problem of scientific realism.

Informazioni sull?autore

Laura Ruetsche is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan.