Best book for quantum foundations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recommendations for books on the foundations of quantum mechanics, specifically addressing the book "Do We Really Understand Quantum Mechanics?" by Franck Laloë, which some find overly verbose. Participants suggest alternatives, including a shorter version available at arXiv and other titles such as "Quantum Mechanics: A Modern Development" by Leslie E. Ballentine and "Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" by Travis Norsen. The conversation highlights the balance between mathematical rigor and interpretative discussions in quantum foundations literature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics terminology
  • Basic knowledge of physics literature
  • Ability to discern between mathematical and philosophical discussions in science
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Quantum Mechanics: A Modern Development" by Leslie E. Ballentine
  • Explore the shorter version of Laloë's work available at arXiv
  • Read "Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" by Travis Norsen
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics interpretations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the philosophical underpinnings of quantum theory will benefit from this discussion.

Jamister
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I'm looking for a book on foundation of quantum mechanics. I started reading the book "do we really understand quantum mechanics" of franck laloë , and it seems to be very chatty and long. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you
 
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What do you mean by „foundations of Quantum Mechanics”? What do you expect to find there, many more words than mathematics?
 
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Jamister said:
I'm looking for a book on foundation of quantum mechanics. I started reading the book "do we really understand quantum mechanics" of franck laloë , and it seems to be very chatty and long. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you
If the book is too long for you, there is a shorter version
http://de.arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0209123

The books on quantum foundations are usually chatty, for a reason. The point of quantum foundations is to understand not only what the equations are, but also what all those equations mean. If you don't like chatty, then perhaps by quantum foundations you mean something else. in that case I would suggest
https://www.amazon.com/dp/052187534X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9814578584/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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What the equations mean you can find in physics books, of which there are many which are not chatty (fortunately). If it comes to interpretation you have the entire gang of philosophers not far around the corner and then it gets chatty. Don't blame them. That's their job description!
 
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There also is the undergad book "Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" by Travis Norsen.
 
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George Jones said:
There also is the undergad book "Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" by Travis Norsen.
Yes, but it's much more chatty than Laloe.
 

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