Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-gb8f7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-27T14:28:52.319Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Einstein's Interpretations of the Quantum Theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2008

Arthur Fine
Arthur Fine
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, Northwestern University
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This paper argues that Einstein subscribed to three distinct kinds of interpretations of the quantum theory: subjective, instrumental, and hidden variables interpretations. We explore the context and ihe content of Einstein's thinking over these interpretations, emphasizing Einstein's conception of his role not only as a critic of the new quantum theory but also as a guide pointing the way to better physics.

Type
The Philosophical Context
Information
Science in Context , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , Spring 1993 , pp. 257 - 273
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Born, I. (trans.). 1971. The Born-Einstein Letters. New York: Walker.Google Scholar
Cassirer, E. [1936] 1957. Determinism and Indeterminism in Modern Physics, translated by Benfey, O. Theodor. New Haven Conn.: Yale University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Einstein, A. 1940. “Considerations Concerning the Fundaments of Theoretical Physics.” Science 91:487–92.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Einstein, A. [1948] 1971. “Quantum Mechanics and Reality.” In Born 1971, 168–73. (Originally published as “Quanten-Mechanik und Wirklichkeit.” Dialectica 2:320–24.)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Einstein, A. 1950. “Physics, Philosophy and Scientific Progress.” Journal of the International College of Surgeons 14:755–58.Google ScholarPubMed
Einstein, A. 1953a. “Elementare Überlegungen zur Interpretation der Grundlagen der Quantenmechanik.” In Scientific Papers Presented to Max Born, 33–40. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd.Google Scholar
Einstein, A. 1953b. “Einleitende Bemerkugen über Grundbegriffe.” In Louis de Brogue: Physicien et Penseur, edited by George, A., 5–15. Paris: Editions Albin Michel.Google Scholar
Einstein, A., Podoisky, B., and Rosen, N.. 1935. “Can Quantum Mechanical Description of Physical Reality Be Considered Complete?” Physical Review 47:777–80.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fine, A. 1973. “Probability and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.” British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 24:1–37.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fine, A. 1988. The Shaky Game: Einstein, Realism, and the Quantum Theory, revised paperback edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.Google Scholar
Fine, A. 1989. “Correlations and Efficiency: Testing the Bell Inequalities.” Foundations of Physics 19:453–78.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fine, A. 1990. “Einstein and Ensembles: Response.” Foundations of Physics 20:967–89.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fine, A. 1991. “Inequalities for Nonideal Correlation Experiments.” Foundations of Physics 21:365–78.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kemble, E. C. 1937. The Fundamental Principles of Quantum Mechanics. New York:McGraw-Hill.Google Scholar
Mermin, N. David. 1990. “What's Wrong with These Elements of Reality?” Physics Today, 9–11, June.Google Scholar
Mermin, N. David. 1991. “A Simple Unified Form for the Major No-Hidden-Variables Theorems.” Preprint.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pauli, Wolfgang. 1948. “Introduction.” Dialectica 2:308–12.Google Scholar
Planck, M. 1932. Where Is Science Going? Translated by Murphy, J.. New York: Norton.Google Scholar
Schilpp, P. A., ed. 1949. Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist. La Salle Ill.: Open Court.Google Scholar
Speziali, P., ed. 1972. Albert Einstein / Michele Besso, Correspondance, 1903–1955. Paris: Hermann.Google Scholar
Will, C. M. 1986. Was Einstein Right? Putting General Relativity to the Test. New York: Basic Books.Google Scholar