Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. From classical to quantum mechanics; 2. Bell's 'no-go' theorem; 3. The Kochen and Specker 'no-go' theorem; 4. The proof of interpretation; 5. Quantum mechanics without observers: I; 6. Quantum mechanics without observers: II; 7. Orthodoxy; 8. The new orthodoxy; Coda; Appendix: some methematical machinery.

Promotional Information

Philosophy of physics title by highly regarded author, fully revised for this paperback edition.

Reviews

'In his powerful new book Bub clearly lays out the measurement problem faced by Dirac and von Neuman's interpretation of quantum mechanics ... The book's first three chapters should be required reading for anyone wishing to get up to speed on contemporary discussions of the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics.' Physics Today 'I have become deeply impressed by the philosophical value and scope of the approach to understanding quantum theory that Bub has carved out. It is an approach that I am convinced will have a major impact on the philosophy of quantum theory for at least the next decade.' Excerpt from Rob Clifton's letter to the 1998 Lakatos Award Committee ' ... there is much to learn from Bub's book, and I recommend it without hesitation to all those who are interested in the foundations of quantum theory.' Studies in the History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 'Bub's fine book will be a standard reference for many years.' Choice 'The virtues Bub can claim are indisputable, and his achievement gives us a truly successful and illuminating way to understand quantum theory. The book is a must for everyone in the field.' Foundations of Physics 'In his powerful new book Bub clearly lays out the measurement problem faced by Dirac and von Neuman's interpretation of quantum mechanics ... The book's first three chapters should be required reading for anyone wishing to get up to speed on contemporary discussions of the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics.' Physics Today 'The book contains an amazing wealth of information ... there is much to learn from Bub's book, and I recommend it without hesitation to all those who are interested in the foundations of quantum theory.' Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics