The Principles of Quantum Theory, From Planck's Quanta to the Higgs Boson

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxxiv

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2. Concepts and Principles in Fundamental Physics

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 1-50

3. Bohr, Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and the Principles of Quantum Mechanics

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 51-106

4. Complementarity: “This New Feature of Natural Philosophy”

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 107-172

5. The Statistical Copenhagen Interpretation

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 173-186

6. Could the Quantum-Mechanical Description of Physical Reality Be Considered Causal?

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 187-206

7. The Principles of Quantum Theory, Dirac’s Equation, and the Architecture of Quantum Field Theory

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 207-246

8. The Principles of Quantum Information Theory, Dirac’s Equation, and Locality Beyond Relativity

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 247-263

9. Conclusion: The Question Concerning Technology in Quantum Physics and Beyond

   • Arkady Plotnitsky

   Pages 265-273

10. Back Matter

    Pages 275-313

    PDF

The book considers foundational thinking in quantum theory, focusing on the role the fundamental principles and principle thinking there, including thinking that leads to the invention of new principles, which is, the book contends, one of the ultimate achievements of theoretical thinking in physics and beyond. The focus on principles, prominent during the rise and in the immediate aftermath of quantum theory, has been uncommon in more recent discussions and debates concerning it. The book argues, however, that exploring the fundamental principles and principle thinking is exceptionally helpful in addressing the key issues at stake in quantum foundations and the seemingly interminable debates concerning them. Principle thinking led to major breakthroughs throughout the history of quantum theory, beginning with the old quantum theory and quantum mechanics, the first definitive quantum theory, which it remains within its proper (nonrelativistic) scope. It has, the book also argues, been equally important in quantum field theory, which has been the frontier of quantum theory for quite a while now, and more recently, in quantum information theory, where principle thinking was given new prominence. The approach allows the book to develop a new understanding of both the history and philosophy of quantum theory, from Planck’s quantum to the Higgs boson, and beyond, and of the thinking the key founding figures, such as Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and Dirac, as well as some among more recent theorists. The book also extensively considers the nature of quantum probability, and contains a new interpretation of quantum mechanics, “the statistical Copenhagen interpretation.” Overall, the book’s argument is guided by what Heisenberg called “the spirit of Copenhagen,” which is defined by three great divorces from the preceding foundational thinking in physics—reality from realism, probability from causality, and locality from relativity—and defined the fundamental principles of quantum theory accordingly.

• Interpretation of quantum mechanics
• Principle thinking in theoretical physics
• The nature of quantum probability
• The relationships between mathematics and physics
• The role of causality in physics

“Through eight chapters, he introduces basic concepts of causality, randomness, locality, and probability. There is some advanced mathematics, a reference section, and a helpful index. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and faculty.” (N. Sadanand, Choice, Vol. 54 (9), May, 2017)

• Theory and Cultural Studies Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA

  Arkady Plotnitsky

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