Overview

This title explores what can be known within quantum theory, with a special emphasis on the difference between prediction and explanation.

Full Product Details

Author:   Salvator Cannavo
Publisher:   State University of New York Press
Imprint:   State University of New York Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.408kg
ISBN:  

9780791493472

ISBN 10:   0791493474
Pages:   188
Publication Date:   10 March 2009
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

"Preface 1. Quantum and Classical Theories: A Crucial Difference of Theory-Type Quantum Theory Classical Theory The ""Unfinished"" Quantum Theory 2. Quantum Puzzles: A Clash with the Traditional Realism of Natural Science The Core Formalism The Hypostatization of the Core Formalism The Nondeterministic Part of the Quantum Formalism Wave-Particle Duality in Quantum Experiments Superposition The Measurement Problem The Projection Postulate; Wave Collapse 3. More Quantum Puzzles Quantum Uncertainty Virtual Pair Production Phase Entanglement Quantum-Theoretic Description and Completeness Bell's Inequality: The Unyielding Challenge to Traditional Scientific Realism 4. Interpretation The Problem of Interpretation: Old and Persistent Objective Realism in Physical Science Hidden Variable Interpretations: Highly Problematic Copenhagenism: No Less Problematic 5. Fresh Starts The Many Worlds Interpretation: New and Old Problems The Many Minds Interpretation: More Problems Decoherence Theory: Somewhat Promising GRW Theory Positivism Interpretation in a Fuller Sense: Ontic Interpretation 6. Explanatory and Algorithmic Nomologicals: Of Which Kind is Quantum Theory? Nomological Types Scientific Explanation Causation and Explanation Quantum Theory; Born Algorithmic Settling for Prediction Dirac Transformation Theory Symmetry in Scientific Theorizing Abstract Symmetrizing 7. A Modest Proposal Interpretation: A Failed Program Away from Interpretation Hidden Variables Are OK No End to Science 8. Quantumization: The Quantum Supplementation of Explanatory Theory The Quantum-Theoretic Context Quantum Electrodynamics Quantum Field Theory String Theory 9. Beyond Quantumization A Deeper Incorporation Conclusion Notes Bibliography"

Reviews

...will be of interest to all practicing physical scientists and intellectually adventurous laypeople. - CHOICE This concise, accurate, and compelling account of quantum theory development over the past one hundred years issues a challenge to reformulate quantum theory. It's a daunting move and will have its detractors for sure, but those who are intimately involved in the field knew this was coming. Cannavo's book will force the issue, and hopefully result in wide-ranging discourse about how to proceed. We may even be lucky enough to be part of it! - Hank Keeton, coeditor of Physics and Whitehead: Quantum, Process, and Experience

"""...will be of interest to all practicing physical scientists and intellectually adventurous laypeople."" - CHOICE ""This concise, accurate, and compelling account of quantum theory development over the past one hundred years issues a challenge to reformulate quantum theory. It's a daunting move and will have its detractors for sure, but those who are intimately involved in the field knew this was coming. Cannavo's book will force the issue, and hopefully result in wide-ranging discourse about how to proceed. We may even be lucky enough to be part of it!"" - Hank Keeton, coeditor of Physics and Whitehead: Quantum, Process, and Experience"

Author Information

Salvator Cannavo is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Philosophy at Brooklyn College, City University of New York. He is the author of Think to Win: The Power of Logic in Everyday Life and Nomic Inference: An Introduction to the Logic of Scientific Inquiry.

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