Who: Sheldon Goldstein, Rutgers University, Department of Mathematics

Title: The What and the Why of Quantum Mechanics

Where: RUC, IMFUFA, hus 02, Lokale I

When: Thursday, May 18, 13:00-14:00

Abstract: I shall discuss what I regard as the fundamental problem of quantum mechanics: that it is not at all clear what quantum theory really says about the world. The problem is that the mathematical structure of orthodox quantum theory seems peculiarly incomplete. I shall consider the possibility of the completion of the quantum structure along Bohmian lines, that is, by incorporating the configuration of the system as part of the defining structure. I shall touch briefly upon a dramatic innovation of quantum theory, most explicit in its Bohmian version, namely quantum nonlocality, and will discuss the implications of a Bohmian perspective for the significance of the wave function, concluding with unbridled speculation as to why the universe should be governed by laws so apparently bizarre as those of quantum mechanics.

Organizer: Bernhelm Booss-Bavnbek

Note: Prof. Goldstein gives another talk, on "Quantum Theory without Observers" on Wednesday, May 17, 13:15 at the Institute Colloquium of the "Niels Bohr Institutet for Astronomi, Fysik og Geofysik", D317, HCØ. For details inspect Goldstein Colloquium .