This book examines in detail two of the fundamental questions raised by quantum mechanics. Is the world indeterministic? Are there connections between spatially separated objects? In the first part of the book after outlining the formalism of quantum mechanics and introducing the measurement problem, the author examines several interpretations, focusing on how each proposes to solve the measurement problem and on how each treats probability. In the second part, the author argues that there can be non-trivial relationships between probability (specifically, determinism and indeterminism) and non-locality in an interpretation of quantum mechanics. The author then re-examines some of the interpretations of part one of the book in the light of this argument, and considers how they are with regard to locality and Lorentz invariance. One of the important lessons that comes out of this discussion is that any examination of locality, and of the relationship between quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, should be undertaken in the context of a detailed interpretation of quantum mechanics. The book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the interpretation of quantum mechanics, including researchers in the philosophy of physics and theoretical physics, as well as graduate students in those fields.

The book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Reviews
"This is an excellent book, by one of the philosophy of quantum theory's brightest stars." Jeremy Butterfield, Philosophy of Science "This book is devoted to the analysis of the foundational problems of quantum mechanics, and discusses in a quite exhaustive way the difficulties encountered by the standard formulation of the theory, as well as almost all serious proposals which have been put forward to overcome them. A very nice feature of the book is the emphasis on precise perspectives which arise from the most problematic features of the theory: indeterminacy and nonlocality...very interesting reading for anyone concerned with the foundational problems of our best theory. I warmly recommend it to students and scholars." American Journal of Physics



Book Information
ISBN 9780521619479
Author W. Michael Dickson
Format Paperback
Page Count 268
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 485g
Dimensions(mm) 245mm * 188mm * 15mm