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The Wave Function

Essays on the Metaphysics of Quantum Mechanics

David Albert editor Alyssa Ney editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:28th Mar '13

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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The Wave Function cover

This is a new volume of original essays on the metaphysics of quantum mechanics. The essays address questions such as: What fundamental metaphysics is best motivated by quantum mechanics? What is the ontological status of the wave function? Does quantum mechanics support the existence of any other fundamental entities, e.g. particles? What is the nature of the fundamental space (or space-time manifold) of quantum mechanics? What is the relationship between the fundamental ontology of quantum mechanics and ordinary, macroscopic objects like tables, chairs, and persons? The volume includes a comprehensive introduction with a history of quantum mechanics and the debate over its metaphysical interpretation focusing especially on the main realist alternatives.

The essays target an audience of philosophers in science, but the book is also benecial for theoretical physicists. The book can be highly recommended for reader who are looking at the foundations of quantum theory. The book also provides a rich source of references also from a historical point of view. * Willi-Hans Steeb, Zentralblatt Math *
This is an uncommonly good collection of essays on the metaphysical foundations of quantum mechanics. It contains work on a compelling subject from a number of the most engaging philosophers of physics, and the overall standard of clarity is exceptional. * Jeffrey A. Barrett, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
...a highly recommended book. It brings a series of problems that are typically philosophical to the domain of quantum mechanics, and does so in an accessible way. * Decio Krause and Jonas R. B. Arenhart, Metascience *
... the book is an excellent and enjoyable piece of philosophy, as one gets to see a single problem attacked from many distinct and compelling perspectives. If interested in the metaphysics of the quantum wavefunction, then this collection is a great choice. * Craig Callender, The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science *

ISBN: 9780199790548

Dimensions: 155mm x 231mm x 15mm

Weight: 340g

244 pages