Conveners
Quantum and/or Classical Worlds?
- Klaus Molmer (University off Aarhus)
Quantum and/or Classical Worlds?
- Jeffrey Bub (University of Maryland)
The theory of relativity is about the explanatory framework of physics — a ‘principle’ theory, to use Einstein’s term, by contrast with ‘constructive' theories. Specifically, we were wrong about the structure of space and time. Quantum mechanics is also a ‘principle’ theory, about a different feature of this framework: we were wrong about commutativity, more specifically about Booleanity, what...
Quantum physics is usually presented as non-deterministic. This can be proven assuming no instantaneous influences at a distance and the existence of independent systems. However, quantum theory can be supplemented by additional variables (e.g. Bohmian particles) that turn the extended theory deterministic, though these additional variables are necessarily inaccessible. Classical physics is...
In my presentation I will focus on Bohr’s problematic distinction between classical systems and quantum systems. The first thesis that I will discuss is that such a distinction is motivated by the fact that the shared, objective language in which properties of the quantum realm must be described is a condition of possibility to talk about quantum systems. These systems cannot be subject to a...
The Schrödinger equation for a macroscopic number of particles is linear in the wave function, deterministic, and invariant under time reversal. In contrast, the concepts used and calculations done in statistical physics and condensed matter physics involve stochasticity, nonlinearities, irreversibility, top-down effects, and elements from classical physics. The problems posed by reconciling...
