The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds

by Jeffrey A. Barrett

Overview

Jeffrey Barrett presents the most comprehensive study yet of a problem that has puzzled physicists and philosophers since the 1930s. The standard theory of quantum mechanics is one of the most successful physical theories ever, predicting the behavior of the basic constituents of all physical things; no other theory has ever made such accurate empirical predictions. However, if one tries to understand the theory as a complete and accurate framework for the description of behavior of all physical interactions, it becomes evident that the theory is ambiguous, even logically inconsistent. To deal with this dilemma, in the 1950s, Hugh Everett III initiated the quantum measurement problem. Barrett gives a careful and challenging examination and evaluation of Everett's work and of those who have followed him. Barrett's informal approach and engaging narrative make this book accessible and illuminating for philosophers, physicists, and anyone interested in the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199247431
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/08/2001
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 5.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1620L (what's this?)

About the Author

Jeffrey Barrett is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Irvine.

Table of Contents

1. A Brief Introduction2. The Standard Formulation of Quantum Mechanics3. The Theory of the Universal Wave Function4. The Bare Theory and Determinate Experience5. Selecting a Branch6. Many Worlds7. Many Minds8. Many Histories9. The Determinate-Experience ProblemAppendicesReferencesIndex

Editorial Reviews

Barrett (philosophy, U. of California-Irvine) addresses the quantum measurement problem, which is that if the highly successful theory of quantum mechanics is understood to provide a complete and accurate description of all physical interactions, it is quickly revealed as ambiguous as best and more likely logically inconsistent. He assumes readers to know something already about how quantum mechanics works and to be comfortable with at least some of its mathematics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR