Overview

Quantum field theory (QFT) combines quantum mechanics with Einstein's special theory of relativity and underlies elementary particle physics. This book presents a philosophical analysis of QFT. It is the first treatise in which the philosophies of space-time, quantum phenomena, and particle interactions are encompassed in a unified framework. Describing the physics in nontechnical terms, and schematically illustrating complex ideas, the book also serves as an introduction to fundamental physical theories. The philosophical interpretation both upholds the reality of the quantum world and acknowledges the irreducible cognitive elements in its representation. The interpretation is based on an analysis of our ways of thinking as the are embedded in the logical structure of QFT. The author argues that philosophical categories are significant only if they play active and essential roles in our knowledge and hence constitute part of the theories in actual use. Thus she regards physical theories as primary, extracts their categorical structure, and uses it to rethink key philosophical questions. Among the questions this book tries to answer are: What are the quantum properties independent of measurements? How do we refer to individual things in a continuous field? How do theories relate to objects? What are the general conditions of the world and of our ways of thinking that make possible our knowledge of the microscopic realm, which is so intangible and counterintuitive? As a penetrating analysis of vital themes in contemporary science, the book will engage the interest of students and professionals in physics and philosophy alike.

Full Product Details

Author:   Sunny Y. Auyang (formerly Research Scientist, formerly Research Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press Inc
Imprint:   Oxford University Press Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.40cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 23.30cm
Weight:   0.412kg
ISBN:  

9780195093452

ISBN 10:   0195093453
Pages:   288
Publication Date:   31 August 1995
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order  
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.

Table of Contents

PART 1: Introduction 1: A Human View of the World in Quantum Field Theory 2: The Categorical Framework of Objective Knowledge PART 2: Nonrelativistic Quantum Mechanics 3: The Structure of Quantum Mechanics 4: The Quantum Measurement Problem PART 3: Relativity and Symmetries 5: Geometry and Space-time 6: Symmetries in Physics 7: The Principles of Relativity and Local Symmetry PART 4: Quantum Field Theory 8: Quantum Fields and Elementary Particles 9: Fields, Quantum Fields, and Field Quanta 10: Interacting Field and Gauge Field Theory PART 5: Objects of Experiences: Quantum States-Observables-Statistics 11: Properties and Quantum Properties 12: The Form of Observation and the Reality of Quantum States 13: The Gap in Understanding: Eigenvalue and Probability 14: Coordinatization of the Quantum World: Observables 15: The General Concept of Objects in Physical Theories 16: The Illusion of the Observer 17: The Mentalism Behind Yes-no Experiments PART 6: The Event-structure and the Spatio-temporal Order: Local Fields 18: The Whole and the Individual: Field and Event 19: This-Something: Events or Local Fields 20: The Basic Spatio-temporal Structure of the Physical World 21: The Referential Structure of Field Theory 22: The States of the Field as a Whole: Field Quanta 23: Identity and Diversity: Quantum Multi-Particle Systems PART 7: Explicit Relations and the Causal Order: Interacting Fields 24: The Constancy of Prediction and the Cement of the Universe 25: Permanence, Endurance, and the Concepts of Time 26: How Are Regular Successions of Events Possible? 27: Relational Properties: Phase and Potential 28: Causal Relations: Connection and Parallel Transport 29: Thoroughgoing Interaction: Renormalization PART 8: Epilogue 30: The Intelligibility of the Objective World Appendix A: Measure and Probability: Quantity, Quality, Modality A1: Measure: The General Concept of Extensive Magnitudes A2: Function and Distribution: Individual and Collective Qualities A3: Individual, Statistical, and Probabilistic Statements Appendix B: Fiber Bundles Appendix C: The Cosmic and the Microscopic: An Application

Reviews

Beautifully written British Journal of Philosophical Science

The union of quantum mechanics and special relativity and its importance to the basic structure of the physical world. --Science & Spirit The union of quantum mechanics and special relativity and its importance to the basic structure of the physical world. --Science & Spirit

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions