The title? (one of Dirac's books)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a specific book by Paul Dirac that addresses the concept of non-local hidden variables in quantum theory, particularly in relation to the implications of such variables on the linearity of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a conversation with a professor who mentioned that Dirac's book states that if non-local hidden variables exist, quantum theory would be nonlinear.
  • Another participant suggests that the book might be "Lectures on Quantum Mechanics," although they have not read it themselves.
  • A different participant proposes "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" as a possibility, noting its historical significance as a standard textbook in universities.
  • Another contribution discusses the decoupling of the complex Schrödinger equation into real equations, which could allow for non-local hidden variables, and mentions "Bohmian Mechanics" and "De Broglie Pilot Wave" as related theories.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the specific title of Dirac's book, with multiple suggestions and perspectives presented without agreement on which is correct.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of non-local hidden variables and their implications for quantum theory, which remain unresolved. The exact content of Dirac's writings is not confirmed, and the relationship between the suggested titles and the topic of non-local hidden variables is not fully explored.

xylai
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the title?? (one of Dirac's books)

Two months ago, I talked with an old foreign professor about the non-local hidden variable. He was very interested in it. He said he had read one of Dirac’s books years ago. It says if the non-local hidden variable exists, then the quantum theory is nonlinear.
Unfortunately I didn’t note the title of the book and now I forget it.
Does someone know it?
Looking for your help.
Best wishes.
Thank you.
 
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Probably "lectures on quantum mechanics", but I haven't read it myself. He didn't write that many books, so it should be easy to find. He did write a good many papers, of course.
 
"Principles of Quantum Mechanics" was the textbook that he wrote. I don't know if this is what you're looking for though. Interestingly, I heard that this was the standard text in the universities for many years.
 
There is a way of decoupling the complex Schroedinger equation into an equivalent set of two real equations, and this allows for the possibility of non-local hidden variables, but this theory is nonlinear. Search for "Bohmian Mechanics" or "De Broglie Pilot Wave."
 

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