The Modal Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics Book

According to the modal interpretation, the standard mathematical framework of quantum mechanics specifies the physical magnitudes of a system, which have definite values. Probabilities are assigned to the possible values that these magnitudes may adopt. The interpretation is thus concerned with physical properties rather than with measurement results: it is a realistic interpretation (in the sense of scientific realism). One of the notable achievements of this interpretation is that it dissolves the notorious measurement problem.
The papers collected here, together with the introduction and concluding critical appraisal, explain the various forms of the modal interpretation, survey its achievements, and discuss those problems that have yet to be solved.
Audience: Philosophers of science, theoretical physicists, and graduate students in these disciplines.

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This volume consists of the 14 papers presented at the June 1996 conference at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, plus an introduction and a concluding critical appraisal. The papers explain the modal interpretation of quantum mechanics in its various forms, as well as precursors to the modal interpretations, problems the interpretations have solved (in particular the notorious measurement problem), and problems that remain to be solved. Among the topics are locality and Lorentz-covariance in the modal interpretation, Bohm-Bell dynamics in the modal interpretation, decoherence in Bohmian modal interpretations, and quantum-mechanical self-measurement. Intended for philosophers of science and theoretical physicists, and graduate students. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.