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Geremia
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What is the best book that covers all the various interpretations of quantum mechanics? Thanks
In his http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/10194741"?clem said:Dirac has the correct interpretation.
$624.93! Wow, I will have to find it in a library. Thank you, thoughxristy said:The most comprehensive book on interpretations (NB not a singe interpretation but the most well known ones) is Max Jammer's https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471439584/?tag=pfamazon01-20. It's out of print but used copies are available (if pricy) and of course it should be in most reasonable libraries.
His seems to be an instrumentalist. From his Principles of Quantum Mechanics pg. 10, when discussing the superposition of a photon into different polarization states, mentions thatclem said:Dirac has the correct interpretation.
the main object of physical science is not the provision of pictures, but is the formulation of laws governing phenomena and the application of these laws to the discovery of new phenomena. If a picture exists, so much the better; but whether a picture exists or not is a matter of only secondary importance. [...] One may, however, extend the meaning of 'picture' to include any way of looking at the fundamental laws which makes their self-consistency obvious.
[...]
t may be remarked that for many simple experiments with light, an elementary theory of waves and photons connected in a vague statistical way would be adequate to account for the results. In the case of such experiments quantum mechanics has no further information to give.
I talked to a professor at the U. of Arizona, and he said all these book are better than Jammer's:xristy said:The most comprehensive book on interpretations (NB not a singe interpretation but the most well known ones) is Max Jammer's https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471439584/?tag=pfamazon01-20. It's out of print but used copies are available (if pricy) and of course it should be in most reasonable libraries.
I would suggest three books, each with different virtues. David Albert's "Quantum Mechanics and Experience" is short and philosophically provocative, though ahistorical and a bit idiosyncratic in style. Andrew Whitaker's "Einstein, Bohr and the Quantum Dilemma" is fair and comprehensive, and includes lots of history. Giancarlo Ghirardi's "Sneaking a Look at God's Cards" is more elementary, interesting and generally reliable, but not so good philosophically.
Jammer, among the books that have been thus far mentioned in this thread, is the only one that actually meets the criteria set out; although, Whitaker does have some coverage in a chapter of other interpretations.What is the best book that covers all the various interpretations of quantum mechanics?
He also said Whitaker's is the most mathematical out of the three he recommended. Also, he said:xristy said:professor at U. of Arizona
There are more mathematical books by Redhead "Incompleteness, Nonlocality and Realism" and R.I.G. Hughes "The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics". But, good as these are, these offer only partial coverage of different interpretations.
xristy said:based on the OP Jammer, among the books that have been thus far mentioned in this thread, is the only one that actually meets the criteria set out; although, Whitaker does have some coverage in a chapter of other interpretations.
Having thus outlined my program and declared my allegiances, I leave the reader to decide whether to proceed further, or to open another beer, or both.
The best book to read for understanding quantum interpretations is "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene. It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the different interpretations of quantum mechanics, including the Copenhagen interpretation, the many-worlds interpretation, and the pilot-wave theory.
Yes, "Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum" by Leonard Susskind and Art Friedman is a great option for beginners. It covers the basics of quantum mechanics and explains the different interpretations in a clear and simple manner.
Yes, "The Quantum Universe: Everything That Can Happen Does Happen" by Jeff Forshaw and Brian Cox delves into the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics and the different interpretations. It also includes discussions on the nature of reality and free will.
"The Fabric of Reality" by David Deutsch is a highly recommended book for exploring the different interpretations of quantum mechanics. It presents a detailed comparison of the Copenhagen interpretation, the many-worlds interpretation, and the pilot-wave theory.
"The Age of Entanglement: When Quantum Physics Was Reborn" by Louisa Gilder provides a fascinating historical account of the development of quantum mechanics and the various interpretations that have emerged over the years. It also offers insights into the lives and contributions of the scientists involved.