The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

By R.I.G. Hughes

Book Overview

R. I. G. Hughes offers the first detailed and accessible analysis of the Hilbert-space models used in quantum theory and explains why they are so successful. He goes on to show how the very... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674843916
• ISBN13: 9780674843912
• Release Date: May 1989
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.6" x 1.2" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

One of the Very Best

This is one of the most lucid accounts of a subject famous for its obscurity. Hughes is one of a precious few who has one foot firmly planted in the science and the other in the broader philosophical tradition. His text, a contemporary classic, sits comfortably on the shelf in the company of Jammer, Cushing, Shimony and D'Espangnat. Everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals can profit from this work. I heartily recommend it to anyone keen to understand the foundations of quantum theory -- a timely subject, now stirring to life after 60 years of slumber.

In depth analysis

This book provides an excellent analysis of relevant and interesting points raised by quantum physics in philosophy as well as detailed and useful explanations of the physics itself - something many books cannot do. The explanation of the physics, the experiments and their results provide material to think on. Simple, arbitrary conclusions leave no room for thought - analysis of real life experiments provoke thought. The math is not easy for an inexperienced student, though the subject in general tends to preclude those. I had just taken a class on matrix mechanics and I was so greatful I had, as it let me actually visualize the equations rather than simply read the letters and symbols. An excellent launching pad for those who are already familiar with EPR, the slit experiment and quantum spin, etc. and want to know what it all means.

Great book on quantum theory for the ambitious reader

This is a superb teaching book for taking your understanding of quantum mechanics to the next level. Much of the book is devoted to understanding a good deal of the underlying math and mathematical formalism, such as Hilbert spaces, Hermitians, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Cantor's calculus of infinities, the analysis and representation of spin properties, and other very cool stuff which I didn't have a very good grasp of before. And yet the previous math required is minimal, really only high school algebra, and Hughes defines new concepts as he goes along. Actually, there is some calculus here and there, but not a whole lot, which is fine, as my advanced calculus is pretty rusty at this point. So Hughes keeps the advanced math to a minimum. This doesn't mean the book is easy reading, as the algebra of Hilbert spaces includes such things as the logical properties of inner products, spectral decomposition, vector projections, the analysis of different vector operators, and so on, and that's only one small section in the book, not to mention the fact that Cantor's ideas in number theory about the ordinality or sizes of inifinite series is pretty mind-boggling stuff. Basically, Cantor established the improbable and surprising fact that certain infinities are "bigger" than others. One way he did this was to show that some infinities are "countably infinite" and others are not. Fun stuff.All this is just preparation for understanding the quantum mechanics, however, and the author does a fine job of linking the mathematical concepts with the applied ideas in quantum theory. This is important, since quantum mechanics is basically a purely mathematical theory. Unlike Einstein's Special and General theories of Relativity, which, although pretty mind-boggling theories in themselves, can still be explained by using more or less intuitive and easy to understand spatial concepts and illustrations. You've probably encountered these in some of the books on the subject, such as doing the fun thought experiment of having two observers, with one travelling at the speed of light and the other stationary, to demonstrate the relativistic effects on space, time, and matter in the case of the Special Theory. But unfortunately those kinds of entertaining and informative thought experiments are difficult to do in quantum mechanics, which is why a book like this that explains the concepts at a relatively high level clearly and concisely is such a great find. Overall, this is an excellent "upgrade" book written by a gifted teacher on a very difficult subject. There are very few books like this that bridge the gap between the purely popular presentations of quantum theory and the very difficult technical quantum physics books.

Most Comprehensible of the Substantive Non-Specialist Books

I used this text in a tutorial with a distinguished philosopher of science at Queens College, New York. It's outstanding. The mathematical formalism is difficult for non-specialists, but no so much as to be out of reach. Advice: be patient--the understanding will come. The part on the interpretation of QM is exceptionally valuable to anyone interested in understanding modern physics without falling for dishonest notions like "quantum healing", "quantum chi", and "quantum dieting". In short: if you're a serious student, this is probably the best book of its kind.

The best there is for the serious non-physicist.

When I first took a serious interest in quantum mechanics, I systematically searched through my university's entire section on quantum mechanics (a very sizable section) for a book that would help a novice non-scientist to systematically achieve a rigorous understanding of quantum mechanics, mathematical foundations and all. The instant I came across Hughes' book, I recognized it for the treasure it is. This is not only the best book ever written, but also the best book that ever will be written.