🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <C16F4H.Ft6@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu> you write:
>I'm interested in learning more about QM, and (particularly) about
>the philosophical debates associated with interpretation of QM
>results (theory and empirical).
>
>I have taken 1 semester of graduate level real analysis.  I am in
>the process of taking the second semester of graduate level real
>analysis.  I know lots and lots of probability theory and statistics.
>I've taken a variety of other math courses which are perhaps best
>described as 'the usual mix'.
>
>I know very little about physics proper, but I'm willing to work to
>learn.  
>
>I'm looking for books to read.  Anything from popular level books
>that are well done, up to sophisticated books at a level consistent
>with the level of preparation I have listed above will do.
>
>Thanks for any help you can give me.
>
>--Jimbo
>

I can suggest the following two books.  They are not lightweight, but, then,
the subject isn't lightweight.

     The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
     R.I.G. Hughes
     Harvard University Press, 1989
     ISBN 0-674-84391-6

     Philosophical Consequences of Quantum Theory
     J.T. Cushing and E. McMullin, eds.
     University of Notre Dame Press, 1989
     ISBN 0-268-01579-1

A book that will introduce the subject in the way that most physicists are
accustomed to and that might be easily overlooked in today's context is
David Bohm's 1951 book on QM:

     Quantum Theory
     David Bohm
     Prentice Hall, 1951
     Dover reprint edition, 1989
     ISBN 0-486-65969-0

This latter book was generally regarded as one of the best introductory
textbooks of its day.  It attempts to give a very clear presentation of
the physical ideas behind the formalism.

A proper understanding of this subject requires adequate skill in physics,
mathematics, and philosophy.  Not very many people have made sufficient
effort to master the necessary requirements in all three areas, but a
growing number of researchers have.  I will add one other advisory note.
This is a subject that is best approached with an open mind.  If you insist
on approaching it with a lot of preconceived ideas about how the world is
supposed to work, you will be in for a rough ride.  The physics community
of the first quarter of this century did not embrace quantum mechanics
willingly and many of them suffered much emotional trauma as they watched
their classical world view being shattered.


Allen Farris