The Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics: A Relativistic Treatment

This book provides a new interpretation of quantum mechanics called transactional interpretation (TI), which offers a solution to the measurement problem and sheds light on the physical meaning of the Born Rule. It addresses objections and challenges to TI and extends it to the relativistic domain, providing a compelling new ontological picture of quantum reality. It is ideal for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book delves into the intricate realm of quantum mechanics, offering a novel perspective known as the transactional interpretation (TI). By providing a comprehensive exposition of TI, it sheds light on long-standing problems in quantum theory, such as the physical interpretation of the Born Rule governing the probabilities of measurement outcomes. Moreover, TI demonstrates its remarkable ability to resolve the measurement problem, a central conundrum in quantum mechanics. It offers robust refutations of various objections and challenges raised against TI, including Maudlin's inconsistency challenge. Furthermore, the book extends TI into the relativistic domain, providing fresh insights into the compatibility of TI with relativity and the enigmatic nature of virtual particles. This groundbreaking work pioneers new approaches to interpreting quantum theory and presents a compelling new ontological understanding of quantum reality. The second edition of this book has been extensively revised and updated, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Introduction:
Quantum mechanics, the fundamental theory of physics governing the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic scales, has captivated scientists for decades. Despite its profound successes, however, the theory remains plagued by a series of perplexing problems. One of the most challenging is the measurement problem, which arises from the inherent uncertainty associated with the act of observing and measuring microscopic entities. The transactional interpretation (TI), a novel approach to quantum mechanics, offers a promising solution to this problem.

The Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics:
TI is based on the idea that the physical world is composed of discrete particles or "qubits," which can exist in a superposition of states. According to TI, the act of measurement involves the interaction of a quantum system with an external apparatus, which causes the qubits to collapse from a superposition into a single state. This collapse is described in terms of a probability distribution, known as the Born Rule, which determines the likelihood of obtaining a particular measurement result.

The Physical Meaning of the Born Rule:
One of the key insights of TI is its interpretation of the Born Rule. Traditionally, the Born Rule has been interpreted as a statistical phenomenon, which means that the probability of obtaining a particular measurement result is determined by the number of times the system has been measured in the past. TI, however, challenges this interpretation and proposes a more physical interpretation.

According to TI, the Born Rule reflects the underlying structure of the physical world. The collapse of the qubits during measurement is not a random event, but rather a result of the interaction between the quantum system and the external apparatus. The Born Rule is a reflection of the probabilities of different possible interactions between the qubits and the apparatus, which are determined by the underlying quantum mechanics.

Solving the Measurement Problem:
TI's ability to solve the measurement problem is one of its most significant contributions to quantum mechanics. By providing a physical interpretation of the Born Rule, TI offers a coherent explanation for the observed behavior of quantum systems. It resolves the paradox of wave-particle duality, which states that microscopic entities can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. TI explains that the wave-like properties of quantum entities are an emergent phenomenon resulting from the collapse of the qubits during measurement.

Robust Refutations of Objections and Challenges:
TI has faced numerous objections and challenges throughout its development. One of the most prominent challenges is the inconsistency challenge, raised by physicist John Maudlin. Maudlin argues that TI is inconsistent with certain fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, such as the principle of locality. TI, however, offers robust refutations of these objections.

TI also extends its applicability beyond the realm of quantum mechanics. It has been applied to other areas of physics, such as quantum field theory and quantum gravity, with promising results. TI has also been used to interpret the behavior of complex systems, such as the brain and the social sciences, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these systems.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exposition of the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics. It sheds new light on long-standing problems in quantum theory, such as the physical meaning of the Born Rule and the measurement problem. TI demonstrates its remarkable ability to solve the measurement problem and offers robust refutations of various objections and challenges. Moreover, TI extends its applicability beyond quantum mechanics, providing new insights into the behavior of complex systems. This substantially revised and updated second edition is ideal for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 176 x 251 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108830447
Edition number: 2 Revised edition