The Classical Limit of Quantum Theory

<p>This essay treats of the relationship between quantum and classical mechanics. Both physicists and philosophers hold that quantum mechanics reduces to classical mechanics as ħ→0, or that classical mechanics is a special case of quantum mechanics in this limit. If one theory reduces to another, certain formal and nonformal conditions must be satisfied. These conditions are formulated and it is shown that the Wigner transformation can serve as a natural reduction function in a reduction which satisfies the formal and nonformal conditions. Finally, it is argued that this reduction does not aid in solving the problem of providing an adequate metaphysical interpretation of quantum theory. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Year

1978

Author dc:creator

• Bruer, John Thomas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bruce W. Knight

• classical mechanics
• quantum mechanics
• Wigner transformation
• formal conditions
• metaphysics
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu/student_theses_and_dissertations/555

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu:student_theses_and_dissertations-1557