Quantum Nonlocality and Reality: 50 Years of Bell's Theorem

Description

Combining twenty-six original essays written by an impressive line-up of distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics, this anthology reflects some of the latest thoughts by leading experts on the influence of Bell's theorem on quantum physics. Essays progress from John Bell's character and background, through studies of his main work, and on to more speculative ideas, addressing the controversies surrounding the theorem, and investigating the theorem's meaning and its deep implications for the nature of physical reality. Combined, they present a powerful comment on the undeniable significance of Bell's theorem for the development of ideas in quantum physics over the past 50 years. Questions surrounding the assumptions and significance of Bell's work still inspire discussion in the field of quantum physics. Adding to this with a theoretical and philosophical perspective, this balanced anthology is an indispensable volume for students and researchers interested in the philosophy of physics and the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Mary Bell is a physicist and the widow of John Bell, with whom she frequently collaborated. She held several positions working on particle acceleration design, notably with the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in Harwell, Oxfordshire, and several accelerator divisions at CERN. Shan Gao is an Associate Professor at the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is the founder and managing editor of the International Journal of Quantum Foundations. He is the author of several books and the editor of the recent anthology Protective Measurement and Quantum Reality: Towards a New Understanding of Quantum Mechanics (Cambridge, 2015). His research focuses on the foundations of quantum mechanics and the history of modern physics.

'This anthology brims with affection for John Stewart Bell and illustrates a fascination with his eponymous theorem on quantum nonlocality ... Over two-dozen authors have contributed chapters to this book, providing a wide scope of ideas about the fundamental physics of the theorem, and competing interpretations of its meaning and implications.' K. D. Fisher, Choice 'Even though the book's four parts cover different topics, there is ... no strict division of the papers. For example, recollections of Bell are not only in Part I ... Many of the other papers contain recollections as well. ... In addition, discussions on the nature of non-locality often go together with consideration of precise versions of quantum mechanics. ... this is overall a very nice anthology, with high-level contributions. They cover a broad range of topics related to Bell's work ... ranging from topics on locality to the structure of physical theories. The recollections provide good insight into Bell as a person. ... The summaries of the contributions in the preface are well done. The contributors are a well-balanced mix of both physicists and philosophers. I warmly recommend this book to anyone interested in this important and fascinating aspect of the quantum world.' Ward Struyve, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews