What Are the Best Textbooks for In-Depth Study of Rigorous Perturbation Theory?

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    Pertubation Theory
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks that provide an in-depth study of rigorous perturbation theory, with a focus on texts that include proofs of theorems. Participants share their experiences with various texts and express their preferences for mathematical rigor in the treatment of the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for textbooks that include proofs of theorems, expressing dissatisfaction with Murdock's text and Bender's methods.
  • Another participant suggests Reed and Simon's "Methods of Modern Mathematical Physics" as a thorough and mathematically rigorous option, along with Thirring's "A Course in Mathematical Physics."
  • A participant questions whether all the main perturbation theory theorems are proven in Reed and Simon's series, indicating a desire to read it for a deeper understanding of mathematical physics.
  • It is noted that Reed and Simon's work is thorough and includes detailed notes on references for proofs not included in the text, although newer developments post-1980 are not covered.
  • One participant recommends Ballentine for a more rigorous treatment of quantum mechanics, though another counters that it lacks rigorous proofs.
  • Arnold's "Mathematical Aspects of Classical and Celestial Mechanics" is mentioned as clear and encyclopedic, but it is noted that many proofs are missing and left for the reader to supply.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the rigor and completeness of different textbooks. While some recommend specific texts for their thoroughness, others highlight limitations regarding the inclusion of proofs, indicating that no consensus exists on a single best textbook.

Contextual Notes

Some participants emphasize the importance of proofs in their study, while others accept the absence of proofs as an opportunity for deeper engagement. The discussion reflects a range of preferences for mathematical rigor and completeness in the recommended texts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals in mathematical physics, quantum mechanics, and related fields who are seeking rigorous textbooks for studying perturbation theory and its applications.

MathematicalPhysicist
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Anyone has any recommendation for a textbook/s that doesn't shun away from proofs of theorems?

I read Murdock's text, but he says himself that he doesn't cover it all.
And Bender's methods is more on exercising the methods than understanding them.

Any?

Thanks.
 
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MathematicalPhysicist said:
Anyone has any recommendation for a textbook/s that doesn't shun away from proofs of theorems?

Reed and Simon, Methods of Modern Mathematical Physics, Vol. I+II

Thirring, A course in mathematical physics, Vol. III
 
And all the pertubation theory theorems (the main ones) are proven in Reed's and Simon's?

I really should be reading this series if I want to really be a mathematical physicist. :-)

Thanks.
 
MathematicalPhysicist said:
And all the perturbation theory theorems (the main ones) are proven in Reed's and Simon's?

R&S is quite thorough, and mathematically rigorous. Moreover, each Chapter comes with long, detailed notes on references where proofs can be found for all the stuff they didn't prove. Only the newer things (post 1980?) are not included - but most of perturbation theory is very old.
 
Have you tried Ballentine? Way more rigorous treatment of quantum mechanics than the books you see in undergrad.
 
Klockan3 said:
Have you tried Ballentine? Way more rigorous treatment of quantum mechanics than the books you see in undergrad.

But very far from being a rigorous text with rigorous proofs.
 
Mathematical Aspects of Classical and Celestial Mechanics by Arnold etc. (not to be confused with the textbook Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics by the same author) is clear, excellent, and encyclopedic. However, most of the proofs are missing and are to be supplied by the reader. Not necessarily a bad thing though.
 

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