The Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics: The Reality of Possibility

by Ruth E. Kastner

Overview

A comprehensive exposition of the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics (TI), this book sheds new light on longstanding problems in quantum theory and provides insight into the compatibility of TI with relativity. It breaks new ground in interpreting quantum theory, presenting a compelling new picture of quantum reality. The book shows how TI can be used to solve the measurement problem of quantum mechanics and explain other puzzles, such as the origin of the 'Born Rule' for the probabilities of measurement results. It addresses and resolves various objections and challenges to TI, such as Maudlin's inconsistency challenge. It explicitly extends TI into the relativistic domain, providing new insight into the basic compatibility of TI with relativity and the physical meaning of 'virtual particles'. This book is ideal for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521764155
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/18/2012
Pages:	251
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 9.96(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Ruth E. Kastner is a Research Associate and member of the Foundations of Physics group at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is the recipient of two National Science Foundation research awards for research in time symmetry issues and the transactional interpretation.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction: quantum peculiarities; 2. The map vs the territory; 3. The original TI: fundamentals; 4. The new possibilist TI: fundamentals; 5. Challenges, replies, and applications; 6. PTI and relativity; 7. The metaphysics of possibility; 8. PTI and 'spacetime'; 9. Epilogue: more than meets the eye; Appendixes; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"The Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics raises many questions, and raises them forcefully and well. Anyone interested in the thorny questions of possibility and actuality will find it intriguing, and with some study, perhaps inspiring."
Chris Fields, Disputatio

"There is a lot to absorb in this stimulating book."
Piero Scaruffi, scaruffi.com

From the Publisher