Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on whether Louis de Broglie made contributions to pilot wave theory later in his life, particularly after his initial introduction of the concept in 1927. Participants explore the implications of his later thoughts and writings on the theory, including references to specific works and interviews.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant recalls that de Broglie revisited pilot wave theory later in life, as mentioned in Adam Becker's book "What is Real?"
- Another participant cites a 1967 interview where de Broglie expresses a desire to return to a causal picture in science, suggesting a renewed interest in the foundations of pilot wave theory.
- References are made to the double solution theory as a potential development of pilot wave theory, with links provided to relevant documents.
- Several textbooks authored by de Broglie are mentioned, with one participant noting their translations into English and their relevance to quantum mechanics.
- A participant highlights de Broglie's critique of the Dirac Equation's application to the hydrogen atom, indicating his ongoing engagement with foundational issues in quantum mechanics.
- A later post references a paper by Claude Daviau and Jacques Bertrand, suggesting that de Broglie's influence persists in contemporary discussions and developments related to his theories.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying degrees of certainty regarding de Broglie's contributions to pilot wave theory later in life, with some suggesting he did engage with the topic while others focus on the implications of his writings without reaching a consensus.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions involve interpretations of de Broglie's later works and their impact on pilot wave theory, but there are no definitive conclusions drawn about the extent or nature of his contributions.