Experimental Metaphysics: Quantum Mechanical Studies for Abner Shimony, Volume One (Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science (193))

Experimental Metaphysics is intended for theoretical physicists and philosophers of science and is devoted to fundamental issues in the quantum domain. The book presents a number of discussions of experiments, theoretical puzzles and alternative interpretations, and philosophical treatments of the metaphysical foundations of science and the way these throw a scientific light on metaphysics. Hence the title: `experimental metaphysics' is a term coined by Abner Shimony, to whom the book is dedicated. This collection of 16 scientific and philosophical essays by leading physicists, philosophers and historians of science deals with current research and the most basic issues in quantum physics. Booknews Essays by leading physicists, philosophers, and historians of science deal with current research and basic issues in quantum physics, exploring theoretical puzzles, alternative interpretations, and philosophical treatments of the metaphysical foundations of science. The collection is dedicated to researcher Abner Shimony, and several papers describe his work. Topics include de Broglie-wave interference of small rocks and live viruses, quantum state diffusion, evidence for failure of local realism, and a long-distance Bell experiment with independent observers. Of interest to philosophers of modern physics, theoretical physicists, experimental particle physicists, and historians of modern physics, science, and metaphysics. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or. This paper discusses a new form of interferometry that we have developed and call Generalized Talbot-Lau (GTL) interferometry. v. 1. Experimental metaphysics v. 2. Potentiality, entanglement, and passion-at-a-distance.