The 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.

Shan Gao (Author)

9781108464239, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 June 2018

199 pages, 8 b/w illus.
25.5 x 18 x 1.1 cm, 0.4 kg

'The ideas laid out in Gao's book deserve to be praised for their originality. … The take home message is that I found the book very thought provoking, which is what I think a philosophy book should be. … this is the book to buy.' R. Hermens, Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics

At the heart of quantum mechanics lies the wave function, a powerful but mysterious mathematical object which has been a hot topic of debate from its earliest stages. Covering much of the recent debate and providing a comprehensive and critical review of competing approaches, this ambitious text provides new, decisive proof of the reality of the wave function. Aiming to make sense of the wave function in quantum mechanics and to find the ontological content of the theory, this book explores new ontological interpretations of the wave function in terms of random discontinuous motion of particles. Finally, the book investigates whether the suggested quantum ontology is complete in solving the measurement problem and if it should be revised in the relativistic domain. A timely addition to the literature on the foundations of quantum mechanics, this book is of value to students and researchers with an interest in the philosophy of physics.

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.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA]