![]() THE WORLD ACCORDING TO QUANTUM MECHANICS
Why the Laws of Physics Make Perfect Sense After All
by Ulrich Mohrhoff (Sri Aurobindo International Centre of
Education, India)
316pp
978-981-4293-37-2: US$81 / £56 US$56.70
/ £39.20
Table
of Contents (119k)
Preface
(118k)
Chapter
1: Probability: Basic concepts and theorems (241k)
The first of the book's three parts familiarizes the reader
with the basics through a brief historical survey and by following
Feynman's route to the Schrodinger equation. The necessary mathematics,
including the special theory of relativity, is introduced along the
way, to the point that all relevant theoretical concepts can be
adequately grasped. Part II takes a closer look. As the theory takes
shape, it is applied to various experimental arrangements. Several of
these are central to the discussion in the final part, which aims at
making epistemological and ontological sense of the theory. Pivotal to
this task is an understanding of the special status that quantum
mechanics attributes to measurements — without dragging in "the
consciousness of the observer." Key to this understanding is a rigorous
definition of "macroscopic" which, while rarely even attempted, is
provided in this book.
Contents:
- Overview:
- Probability: Basic Concepts and Theorems
- A (Very) Brief History of the "Old" Theory
- A (Very) Brief History of the "New" Theory
- The Feynman Route to Schrodinger (Stage 1)
- Special Relativity in a Nutshell
- The Feynman Route to Schrodinger (Stage 2)
- A Closer Look:
- The Classical Forces: Effects
- The Classical Forces: Causes
- Quantum Mechanics Resumed
- Making Sense:
- Interpretational Strategy
- Spatial Aspects of the Quantum World
- Why the Laws of Physics are Just So
- Solutions to Selected Problems
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