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 Outdated?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relevance and potential obsolescence of a quantum mechanics lecture series by Professor Benjamin Schumacher from 2008. Participants explore whether advancements in quantum mechanics over recent years render these lectures outdated and seek alternative recommendations for learning materials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the relevance of Schumacher's 2008 lectures, suggesting that quantum mechanics has evolved significantly in recent years.
  • Another participant asserts that the fundamentals of quantum mechanics remain unchanged, referencing classic textbooks by Dirac and Landau as still relevant.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about their initial claim regarding advancements in quantum mechanics, indicating it may pertain to other fields instead.
  • Discussion includes a historical perspective on the development of quantum theory, with one participant noting that foundational work was largely completed by the late 1920s, while cautioning against using older texts for quantum field theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; some argue that the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics are stable, while others express concern about the potential obsolescence of older educational materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific historical milestones in quantum theory and quantum field theory, highlighting the importance of context when evaluating educational resources.

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is, since it seems to me that Q. M. has evolved quite a lot over the last few years - are the lectures series too outdated?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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