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Description
Quantum mechanics can offer a view of reality that is rather bewildering. Namely that the wavefunction represents a state of knowledge that is updated instantaneously upon performing a measurement and that the state of a system is undefined, indeed not even an 鈥榚lement of reality鈥�, until such a process is carried out. Such a 鈥楥openhagen Interpretation鈥� was developed in the early part of the 20th century and remains central to the way quantum mechanics is presented at undergraduate level.听听
This module will gently explore alternative ideas such as Bohmian pilot-wave mechanics, many-worlds, and spontaneous collapse, at a relatively low mathematical level and with an emphasis on ontological implications. The key implications of the EPR paradox, Bell鈥檚 theorem, and associated experimental results (recognised by the Nobel Prize in Physics 2022) that demonstrate apparent quantum non-locality and intrinsic randomness of behaviour will be a central focus of attention.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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