The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds [Paperback]

Jeffrey A. Barrett (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199247439 | ISBN-13: 978-0199247431 | Publication Date: November 8, 2001

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The book is at its best when it is distinguishing between the various versions of the Everett interpretation, and would certainly be useful to anyone who whishes to pursue Everett's approach. Barrett wisely separates out what can be reasonably ascribed to Everett, and what work remains to turn Everetts writings into a complete interpretation. Barrett does a good, clear job with this material and reader interested in the Everett tradition will likely find things that are useful for their purposes. The Philosophical Review

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jeffrey A. Barrett is an Associate Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science, University of California, Irvine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199247439
• ISBN-13: 978-0199247431
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,754,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful exploration of modern Quantum Theory., June 3, 2000

By 

Steven Manos - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds (Hardcover)

This book was a wonderful delving into the problems of Modern Quantum Theory as it stands. The book explains such a developed and difficult to (conceptually) understand topic in very simple terms from start to finish.

It begins by exploring simple examples such as the 2 slit experiment and the spin of electrons. It then moves onto explaining the standard formulation of quantum mechanics, bare theory, and then continuing with the problem of determinism.

Personally, I found many of the ideas presented in this book difficult to understand at first, and on multiple occasions had to read over sections 2 or 3 times. Although, this is no fault of the author, he explains everything very well.

I think this book is suited to anyone who is already familar with the basic foundations of quantum mechanics (like a first year undergraduate physics course) and wants to learn about the underlying fundamental ideas, formalisms and flaws of modern quantum theory.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Summary of QM, April 19, 2002

By 

T. Gwinn (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds (Paperback)

For someone interested in understanding quantum mechanics on a historical and conceptual level, this book does an excellent job. There is limited reliance on math, and the text is clear enough that one can even gloss over much of the math that is there.

Importantly (I think), is the even-handed portrayal of the standard interpretation of QM and how it's apparent acceptance in the mainstream is neither historically nor logically fully supported. The assumption that because reality appears to follow the mathematical formula does not necessarily imply that the interpretation of the formula 'explains' the basis of reality or even that QM constitutes the most basic level of reality.

The author uses many quotes, but always in a way that fits in nicely with the storyline.

Although, ostensibly written around a critique of Everett's contributions to QM, the author seems more to use that more as a reference or counterpoint for his own exposition of the problems and issues regarding QM.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Masks...That The Monsters Wear, To Feed...Upon Their Prey., August 8, 2010

By 

Mr. KA Murray (Sussex, England) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds (Paperback)

8/8/10

This text, appears to have shot a line straight through computing!
Mr Barrett's use of Skyrms' definition of a strange attractor, in this context, may have allowed research to expand the number of axiomatic components which define. So now we are being inundated with processor cores, two, four, eighty. This will be because, deeply and deftly concealed within the book is likely to be a suggestion as to which element can appropriately replace that of point density.
To quote the Portishead music CD, Dummy: I found the bones, of all your ghosts, locked in the wishing well!