Prof. Brad Skow Fall 2007 TuTh 11-12:30 5-217
12/11: Comments on homework 5 below.
12/3: Comments on homework 4 below.
11/5: Posted comments on homework 2 below.
10/26: I corrected an error in a question on Homework 3. Make sure your copy of the homework says "revised."
10/25: Homework 3 is up. Due next thursday.
10/12: Posted some comments on homework 1 below.
10/11: Posted handout 2, an outline of the proof of Bell's theorem, below.
10/10: Homework 2 is up. It is due next Thursday.
10/4: Posting some info about homework 1 is postponed for now; I'm still waiting for one student to turn it in.
9/26: There will be a review session on Friday, 9/28 in 24-112 from 2-3:30pm. Come with any questions you have about the stuff covered in part 1.
9/18: Posted homework 1 on the Stellar site.
9/17: Posted handout 1 below. It has been revised since last week's class.
This course is divided into three parts. In Part 1 we will cover enough of the mathematics and physics needed to understand the philosophical questions quantum mechanics raises. Part 2 will be devoted to the EPR argument for the incompleteness of the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, and to Bell's argument that quantum mechanics is non-local. Part 3 will be devoted to the measurement problem and its proposed solutions. See the schedule on the Stellar site for more details.
The required textbook for this course is Quantum Mechanics and Experience by David Albert. I have ordered copies at the MIT COOP.
Other course materials, including other course readings, will be available on the Stellar site for this course.
Although we will cover some mathematics in this course, the bulk of your grade will be based on your ability to evaluate arguments for and against answers to the philosophical questions quantum mechanics raises.
There will be six homework assignments; no midterm, and no final. Assignments are generally due on Tuesdays. (See the schedule for dates.) The first five assignments will be equal in value; the sixth will be worth twice as much.
Information on submitting homeworks: homeworks must be submitted in hard copy in class on the day they are due. I will not accept handwritten assignments.
You may wish to consult the faculty regulations concerning grades.
Late work will not be accepted without a legitimate excuse. Legitimate excuses include (but are not limited to) illnesses and family emergencies; please bring me a note from either a dean or a doctor.
Don't do it. The institute's official regulations regarding academic honesty are here.
Policies specific to this class: you may discuss homework questions with other students, but your write-up of your answers must be your own.