Overview
After introducing the empiricist point of view in philosophy of science, and the concepts and methods of the semantic approach to scientific theories, Professor van Fraassen discusses quantum theory in three stages. He first examines the question of whether and how empirical phenomena require a non-classical theory, and what sort of theory they require. He then discusses the mathematical foundations of quantum theory with special reference to developments in the modelling of interaction, composite systems, and measurement. Finally, the author broaches the main questions of interpretation. After offering a critique of earlier interpretations, he develops a new one - the modal interpretation - which attempts to stay close to the original Copenhagen ideas without implying a radical incompleteness in quantum theory. He gives special attention to the character of composite, many-body systems and especially to the peculiar character of assemblies of identical particles in quantum statistics.
Full Product Details
Author: Bas C. van Fraassen (Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy, Princeton University)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Imprint: Clarendon Press
Dimensions:
Width: 14.40cm
, Height: 3.60cm
, Length: 22.40cm
Weight: 0.812kg
ISBN: 9780198248613
ISBN 10: 019824861
Pages: 558
Publication Date: 26 September 1991
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
Van Fraassen introduces each topic with care and attention to detail....A thought-provoking and largely well-written monograph...complemented by an extensive bibliography containing important contributions by numerous authors. --Contemporary Physics I strongly recommend the book to anyone who aims at a thorough background in this bewildering subject. --The Philosophical Review
Van Fraassen introduces each topic with care and attention to detail....A thought-provoking and largely well-written monograph...complemented by an extensive bibliography containing important contributions by numerous authors. --Contemporary Physics<br> I strongly recommend the book to anyone who aims at a thorough background in this bewildering subject. --The Philosophical Review<br>
Author Information
The Scientific Image by van Fraassen, published by OUP in 1980, was co-winner of the Franklin J. Matchette Prize for a work of outstanding philosophic merit, and of the Lakatos Award for an outstanding contribution to the philosophy of science. It sold 4500 copies. More recently came Laws and Symmetry (1989), which has sold around 3000.
