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Consistent Quantum Theory
Abstract
Quantum mechanics is one of the most fundamental yet difficult subjects in physics. Nonrelativistic quantum theory is presented here in a clear and systematic fashion, integrating Born's probabilistic interpretation with Schrödinger dynamics. Basic quantum principles are illustrated with simple examples requiring no mathematics beyond linear algebra and elementary probability theory. The quantum measurement process is consistently analyzed using fundamental quantum principles without referring to measurement. These same principles are used to resolve several of the paradoxes that have long perplexed physicists, including the double slit and Schrödinger's cat. The consistent histories formalism used here was first introduced by the author, and extended by M. Gell-Mann, J. Hartle and R. Omnès. Essential for researchers yet accessible to advanced undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science, this book is supplementary to standard textbooks. It will also be of interest to physicists and philosophers working on the foundations of quantum mechanics.
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The consistent histories formalism satisfies (Q) and (S) and thus violates (C) by Theorem 1.
“The CH formalism contains the Born rule as a special case and hence fulfils Assumption (Q). Since it also satisfies (S), it follows from Theorem 1 that it violates (C).”
From Quantum theory cannot consistently describe the use of itself (2018) · cites this paper as [35]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Griffiths, R. B.
- Affiliations
- Carnegie Mellon University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Griffiths, Robert B.
- ORCID
- Griffiths, Robert B.
- Venue
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Published
- 2001-11-29
- OpenAlex
- W4301255404
- Cited by
- 256
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 44 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 15
- FWCI
- 0.75
- Type
- book
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Cambridge University Press eBooks (publishedVersion)
- International Linear Collider (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics › Quantum Mechanics and Applications
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Nuclear and High Energy Physics › Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Statistical and Nonlinear Physics › Quantum chaos and dynamical systems
- Keywords
- consistent histories, measurement problem, Born rule, Schrödinger equation, double-slit experiment, Schrödinger's cat, quantum paradoxes, quantum foundations
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