The wave function
Subtitle: essays on the metaphysics of quantum mechanics
By: edited by David Z. Albert and Alyssa Ney
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Oxford; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 229
ISBN-13: 9780199790548; 9780199790807
Subjects: Quantum theory; Philosophy; Metaphysics; Wave functions
Other titles: Metaphysics of quantum mechanics
Description: 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.