Quantum Mechanics Historical Contingency and the Copenhagen Hegemony

Preface Acknowledgments 1: Theory Construction and Selection 2: Formalism, Interpretation, and Understanding 3: Standard Quantum Theory 4: Bohm's Quantum Theory 5: Alternative Interpretations: An Illustration 6: Opposing Commitments, Opposing Schools 7: Competition and Forging Copenhagen 8: Early Attempts at Causal Theories: A Stillborn Program 9: The Fate of Bohm's Program 10: An Alternative Scenario? 11: Lessons Notes References Author Index Subject Index

Summary

In examining the role that timing can play in the establishment of theory and explanation, this book argues that the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics was accepted not because it was better than David Bohm's (who supplied an alternative explanation), but because it appeared first.

Product details

• Authors: Cushing James T., James T. Cushing, Cushing
• Publisher: University Presses
• Content: Book
• Product form: Paperback / Softback
• Publication date: 01.11.1994
• Subject: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general)
• EAN: 9780226132044
• ISBN: 978-0-226-13204-4
• Pages: 328
• Dimensions (packing): 1.5 x 2.3 x 0.2 cm
• Weight (packing): 510 g
• Series: Science & Its Conceptual Foundations S.; Science & Its Conceptual Foundations S.; Science & its Conceptual Foundations Series SCF (CHUP); Science & its Conceptual Foundations Series SCF; Science and Its Conceptual Foundations series
• Subjects: History of Ideas, SCIENCE / History, SCIENCE / Physics / Quantum Theory, HISTORY / Social History, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, Philosophy of Science, History of Science, Quantum physics (quantum mechanics & quantum field theory), Quantum physics (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory)