Ben Schumacher - Q. Mech. lectures from 2008. Outdated?

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The discussion centers on the relevance of Benjamin Schumacher's 2008 lecture series on quantum mechanics. Participants assert that the foundational principles of quantum mechanics remain unchanged, with classic texts by Dirac and Landau still considered valid. While advancements in quantum field theory (QFT) occurred post-1975, the core concepts taught in Schumacher's lectures are still applicable and valuable for learners today.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with quantum field theory (QFT)
  • Knowledge of historical texts in quantum mechanics, such as Dirac's and Pauli's works
  • Basic mathematical skills for interpreting quantum mechanics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore quantum mechanics fundamentals through Dirac's and Landau's textbooks
  • Research advancements in quantum field theory post-1975, focusing on works by Bogoliubov and 't Hooft
  • Watch updated lecture series on quantum mechanics for contemporary insights
  • Investigate the evolution of quantum mechanics terminology and concepts over the decades
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This discussion is beneficial for students of quantum mechanics, educators seeking reliable resources, and anyone interested in the historical context and evolution of quantum theory.

QuantumMechanics
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Hello everyone.

I am a laymen (with math knowledge) interested in learning about quantum mechanics. I came upon this video series from professor Benjamin Schumacher, which I believe is from 2008. Link: http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/quantum-mechanics-the-physics-of-the-microscopic-world.html

My question is, since it seems to me that Q. M. has evolved quite a lot over the last few years - are the lectures series too outdated? If so, do you have any other lecture series to advice?

Thanks a lot!
 
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I don't know what evolution you're talking about but you can be certain that the fundamentals of the theory are the same. Even quantum mechanics textbooks by Dirac or Landau are hardly called outdated today, let alone some lectures from 2008!
 
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Thanks!
 
QuantumMechanics said:
since it seems to me that Q. M. has evolved quite a lot over the last few years
Could you explain why do you think that?
 
Demystifier said:
Could you explain why do you think that?
Good thing you asked. To be honest with you, in retrospect, I feel stupid for saying it now. I have heard something about the advancements of some science thingy, but it must have been other fields.

Edit: Advancement is not the right word, but I am sure you know what I mean. I am not a native English speaker, so cannot come up with the desired word at the moment. Cheers
 
The development of the foundations of quantum theory was well completed at the end of the 1920ies. Among the best books on QT are Dirac's and Pauli's from the early 1930ies. Concerning QFT, I'd however not recommend reading a book written much earlier than 1975 since only in the late 1960ies with the work by Bogoliubov, Parasiuk, Hepp, and Zimmermann and with the work by 't Hooft and Veltmann on the renormalization of non-Abelian gauge theories in 1971 a full understanding of renormalization has been achieved.
 

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