Quantum Theory and Beyond
Essays and Discussions Arising from a Colloquium

This book deals with the issues and paradoxes of quantum theory.

Ted Bastin (Edited by)

9780521115483, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 16 July 2009

356 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.52 kg

Quantum theory attempts to describe the discrete or atomic nature of matter and the physical world. Certain paradoxes connected with the use of our familiar ideas of the theory have led some physicists to suggest that a revision of quantum theory at its most fundamental level is now inevitable, while others think that the wide range of experimental success of the theory make such changes literally unthinkable. This book contains the edited papers presented at a small informal colloquium held in Cambridge in 1968 to discuss the need for fundamental revision in quantum theory. Most schools of thought on the foundations of the theory were represented, and to direct discussion some participants proposed actual changes. A principal aim was to pinpoint the source of difficulty in current ideas of the time or, failing that, to present alongside each other the various viewpoints about them.

List of participants
Preface
Part I. Introduction: 1. The function of the colloquium - editorial
2. The conceptual problem of quantum theory from the experimentalist's point of view O. R. Frisch
Part II. Niels Bohr and Complementarity: The Place of the Classical Language: 3. The Copenhagen interpretation C. F. von Weizsäcker
4. On Bohr's views concerning the quantum theory D. Bohm
Part III. The Measurement Problem: 5. Quantal observation in statistical interpretation H. J. Groenewold
6. Macroscopic physics, quantum mechanics and quantum theory of measurement G. M. Prosperi
7. Comment on the Daneri-Loinger-Prosperi quantum theory of measurement Jeffrey Bub
8. The phenomenology of observation and explanation in quantum theory J. H. M. Whiteman
9. Measurement theory and complex systems M. A. Garstens
Part IV. New Directions within Quantum Theory: What does the Quantum Theoretical Formalism Really Tell Us?: 10. On the role of hidden variables in the fundamental structure of physics D. Bohm
11. Beyond what? Discussion: space-time order within existing quantum theory C. W. Kilmister
12. Definability and measurability in quantum theory Yakir Aharonov and Aage Petersen
13. The bootstrap idea and the foundations of quantum theory Geoffrey F. Chew
Part V. A Fresh Start?: 14. Angular momentum: an approach to combinatorial space-time Roger Penrose
15. A note on discreteness, phase space and cohomology theory B. J. Hiley
16. Cohomology of observations R. H. Atkin
17. The origin of half-integral spin in a discrete physical space Ted Bastin
Part VI. Philosophical Papers: 18. The unity of physics C. F. von Weizsäcker
19. A philosophical obstacle to the rise of new theories in microphysics Mario Bunge
20. The incompleteness of quantum mechanics or the emperor's missing clothes H. R. Post
21. How does a particle get from A to B?
Ted Bastin
22. Informational generalization of entropy in physics Jerome Rothstein
23. Can life explain quantum mechanics? H. H. Pattee
24. Discussion: phenomena and sense data in quantum theory D. S. Linney and C. F. von Weizsäcker
Index of persons
Index of subjects.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH]