ABSTRACT

Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics provides a detailed view of the conceptual foundations and problems of quantum physics, and a clear and comprehensive account of the fundamental physical implications of the quantum formalism. This book deals with nonseparability, hidden variable theories, measurement theories and several related problems. Mathematical arguments are presented with an emphasis on simple but adequately representative cases. The conclusion incorporates a description of a set of relationships and concepts that could compose a legitimate view of the world.

part 1|37 pages

Elements of Quantum Mechanics

chapter 1|3 pages

Matter Waves

chapter 2|8 pages

Superposition and Linearity

chapter 3|7 pages

Statement of the Rules

chapter 4|9 pages

Comments

chapter 5|8 pages

Alternative Formulations

part 2|35 pages

Density Matrices and Mixtures

chapter 6|16 pages

The Density Matrix Formalism

chapter 7|16 pages

Mixtures

part 3|84 pages

Quantum Nonseparability

chapter 8|16 pages

The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Problem

chapter 9|5 pages

Possible Views on Nonseparability

chapter 10|6 pages

Individuals, Ensembles, States

chapter 11|17 pages

The “Hidden Variables” Approach

chapter 12|27 pages

Direct Study of Some Principles

chapter 13|8 pages

Aspects of the Problem of Retrodiction

part 4|71 pages

Measurement Theories

chapter 14|12 pages

Elements of Measurement Theory

chapter 15|13 pages

Classical Properties

chapter 16|11 pages

Macroscopic Instruments

chapter 17|10 pages

Of Cats and Pointers

part 5|48 pages

Knowledge and the Physical World

chapter 19|9 pages

Reality and Objects

chapter 20|9 pages

Positivism

chapter 21|10 pages

Bohr and Heisenberg

chapter 22|6 pages

Wigner’s Friend

chapter 23|13 pages

The Relativity of States

part 6|15 pages

Summary and Outlook

chapter 24|4 pages

Summary

chapter 25|10 pages

Outlook