Did Paul Dirac say anything about Bohmian mechanics?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Paul Dirac, a prominent physicist, did not publicly express views on the de Broglie-Bohm theory, also known as Bohmian mechanics. Despite his significant contributions to quantum mechanics, Dirac adhered to the Copenhagen interpretation, which includes the collapse hypothesis. The discussion highlights the lack of documented interactions or comments from Dirac regarding Bohmian mechanics, raising questions about the nature of their personal and professional relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the Copenhagen interpretation
  • Knowledge of Bohmian mechanics and its historical context
  • Awareness of Paul Dirac's contributions to physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Paul Dirac's published papers on quantum mechanics
  • Study the de Broglie-Bohm theory in detail
  • Examine the historical context of the Copenhagen interpretation
  • Explore the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics interpretations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the historical perspectives of quantum theory and its interpretations.

SVN
Messages
49
Reaction score
1
Could you, please, give me reference to any paper or talk by Paul Dirac where he expresses his views about or give comments to the de Broglie-Bohm theory (Bohmian mechanics)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Did he ever express any view about any interpretation?
 
I'd be surprised. He is a role model of a "no-nonsense physicist".
 
Did not he?

I'm a bit (a lot, actually) puzzled. Dirac was one of the leading theorists of his time. Can it be that he refrained from meditation over the very essence and core question of his discipline?

Anyway, he and Bohm lived in the same country for many years. Probably, they knew each other personally, met on many occasions and had conversations (I am not familiar with their biographies, just guessing). Is there any chance they bypassed this topic in their discussions?
 
The very essence and core questions of physics are not interpretational issues on quantum mechanics, which are rather on the boarder between physics and philosophy. Dirac was pretty pragmatic about it and took the standard Copenhagen interpretation of his time (to my dismay I learned in another thread, he even subscribed to the collapse hypothesis :-().
 
Okay, got it. Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 376 ·
13
Replies
376
Views
23K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
4K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
4K
  • · Replies 109 ·
4
Replies
109
Views
11K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 235 ·
8
Replies
235
Views
25K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 491 ·
17
Replies
491
Views
37K