The Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics (Princeton Series in Physics) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691081263 ISBN 13: 9780691081267

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 1973

Synopsis

A novel interpretation of quantum mechanics, first proposed in brief form by Hugh Everett in 1957, forms the nucleus around which this book has developed. In his interpretation, Dr. Everett denies the existence of a separate classical realm and asserts the propriety of considering a state vector for the whole universe. Because this state vector never collapses, reality as a whole is rigorously deterministic. This reality, which is described jointly by the dynamical variables and the state vector, is not the reality customarily perceived; rather, it is a reality composed of many worlds. By virtue of the temporal development of the dynamical variables, the state vector decomposes naturally into orthogonal vectors, reflecting a continual splitting of the universe into a multitude of mutually unobservable but equally real worlds, in each of which every good measurement has yielded a definite result, and in most of which the familiar statistical quantum laws hold.

The volume contains Dr. Everett's short paper from 1957, "'Relative State' Formulation of Quantum Mechanics," and a far longer exposition of his interpretation, entitled "The Theory of the Universal Wave Function," never before published. In addition, other papers by Wheeler, DeWitt, Graham, and Cooper and Van Vechten provide further discussion of the same theme. Together, they constitute virtually the entire world output of scholarly commentary on the Everett interpretation.

Originally published in 1973.

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About this title

Review

"Peebles applies quantum theory, often in a simple, approximate way, to a variety of interesting problems.... Could prove quite a rewarding book for the more able and motivated student." (New Scientist)

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 1973
• ISBN 10: 0691081263
• ISBN 13: 9780691081267
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 265
• Editor: Bryce S DeWitt, Neill Graham