The Meaning of the Wave Function

Shan Gao is Professor of Philosophy at the Research Center for Philosophy of Science and Technology, Shanxi University, and Visiting Professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is the founder and managing editor of the International Journal of Quantum Foundations, and 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.

• Preface; 1. Quantum mechanics and experience; 2. The wave function: ontic vs epistemic; 3. The nomological view; 4. Reality of the wave function; 5. Origin of the Schrödinger equation; 6. The ontology of quantum mechanics (I); 7. The ontology of quantum mechanics (II); 8. Implications for solving the measurement problem; 9. Quantum ontology and relativity; Epilogue; References; Index.

'A thoughtful survey of the many issues arising from the question: does the quantum mechanical wave function represent physical reality? Gao's book will provoke stimulating discussions among physicists and philosophers of science.' Stephen L. Adler, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey