Quantum theory is our deepest theory of the nature of matter. It is a theory that, notoriously, produces results which challenge the laws of classical logic and suggests that the physical world is illogical. This book gives a critical review of work on the foundations of quantum mechanics at a level accessible to non-experts. Assuming his readers have some background in mathematics and physics, Peter Gibbins focuses on the questions of whether the results of quantum theory require us to abandon classical logic and whether quantum logic can resolve the paradoxes produced by quantum mechanics. He argues that quantum logic does not dispose of the problems faced by classical logic, that no reasonable interpretation of quantum mechanics in terms of 'hidden variables' can be found, and that after all these years quantum mechanics remains a mystery to us. Particles and Paradoxes provides a much-needed and valuable introduction to the philosophy of quantum mechanics and, at the same time, an example of just what it is to do the philosophy of physics.

Table of Contents

1.Meta-physics

PART I

2.Quantum mechanics for natural philosophers

3. Wave-particle duality

4. The Copenhagen interpretation (I)

5. The Copenhagen interpretation (II): Einstein versus Bohr

PART II

6.Quantum mechanics for natural philosophers (II)

7. Projection postulates

8. Nonlocality and hidden variables

9. A user-friendly quantum logic

10. Quantum logic: what it can and can't do

Conclusion