Constructing Quantum Mechanics by Duncan

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the books "Constructing Quantum Mechanics: The Scaffold 1900-1923" and "Constructing Quantum Mechanics: The Arch 1923-1927" by Duncan, which are noted for their historical and conceptual development of quantum mechanics (QM) and quantum field theory (QFT). Participants rate these books 4 out of 5, highlighting their challenging nature due to the historical context presented. The discussion also references "Conceptual Framework of Quantum Field Theory," indicating that Duncan's works serve as foundational texts for understanding more advanced topics in QFT.

PREREQUISITES
  • Working knowledge of Quantum Mechanics (QM)
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with historical developments in physics
  • Ability to interpret technical academic texts
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "Constructing Quantum Mechanics: The Scaffold 1900-1923" by Duncan
  • Read "Constructing Quantum Mechanics: The Arch 1923-1927" by Duncan
  • Explore "Conceptual Framework of Quantum Field Theory" for advanced insights
  • Research historical context of quantum mechanics through academic papers
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the historical and conceptual foundations of quantum theory will benefit from this discussion.

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Nice find, I also wonder what it brings new in a topic well covered over the years.
 
@weirdoguy
Any comments? You mentioned the first volume a couple of years ago.
 
Ah, yes. I would rank it as 4 out of 5. Sometimes it's a tough read because of the way some topics were historically developed. Some of the authors summaries (as I remember, first chapter or two, are summaries of the whole book) are also a tough read, but I guess that's because it's hard to summary the chaos that was happening 😆
 
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Frabjous said:
Anyone read these books and care to share their thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/Constructing...ld-1900-1923/dp/0198845472/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/Constructing...ch-1923-1927/dp/0198883900/?tag=pfamazon01-20
I haven't read them (yet), but they are at the top of my list. However, I have read this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Conceptual-Framework-Quantum-Field-Theory/dp/0199573263?tag=pfamazon01-20

and in a way the books you mention above are the prequels to it. They are not typical textbooks on either QM or QFT, but rather aim at showing their historical as well as the conceptual development. Hence, in order to understand and gain from these books, you should at least have a working knowledge of QM and QFT respectively.

All three books are excellently written, and I would give them also at least 4 out of 5, just as "weirdoguy",
 
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This one I own too, but I haven't read it yet. I would say it is comparable in style and content.
 
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Muu9 said:
Is it more technical than this?

I don't know that book, but Duncans one is technical, at a level of a proper textbook.
 

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