Meaning of the Wave Function - In Search of the Ontology of Quantum Mechanics

Covering much of the recent debate, this ambitious text provides new, decisive proof of the reality of the wave function

List of contents

Preface; 1. Quantum mechanics and experience; 2. The wave function: ontic vs epistemic; 3. The nomological view; 4. Reality of the wave function; 5. Origin of the Schrödinger equation; 6. The ontology of quantum mechanics (I); 7. The ontology of quantum mechanics (II); 8. Implications for solving the measurement problem; 9. Quantum ontology and relativity; Epilogue; References; Index.

About the author

Shan Gao is Professor of Philosophy at the Research Center for Philosophy of Science and Technology, Shanxi University, and Visiting Professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is the founder and managing editor of the International Journal of Quantum Foundations, and is the author of several books and the editor of the recent anthology Protective Measurement and Quantum Reality: Towards a New Understanding of Quantum Mechanics (Cambridge, 2015). His research focuses on the foundations of quantum mechanics and the history of modern physics.

Summary

Covering much of the recent debate, this ambitious text for students and researchers provides new, decisive proof of the reality of the wave function, improving the PBR theorem and reviewing competing views in this field, which has been a hot topic of debate since the early days of quantum mechanics.

Product details

• Authors: Shan Gao, Gao Shan
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.07.2018
• EAN: 9781108464239
• ISBN: 978-1-108-46423-9
• No. of pages: 199
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); SCIENCE / History, SCIENCE / Physics / Quantum Theory, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, SCIENCE / Waves & Wave Mechanics, Philosophy of Science, History of Science, Quantum physics (quantum mechanics & quantum field theory), Quantum physics (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory), Wave mechanics (vibration & acoustics), Wave mechanics (vibration and acoustics)