Focusing on the concept of anomalies in quantum field theory, this textbook provides a comprehensive exploration of their significance and implications over the past two decades. Utilizing differential geometry, the author presents detailed derivations and calculations, making complex topics accessible. This work serves as an essential resource for both students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, marking a significant contribution to the understanding of quantization and regularization processes.
issues raised by quantum theory, a topic not very popular during his student days at Queen's University, Belfast. John Bell, who was interested in the Bohr-Einstein dialogue, consistently aligned with Einstein's philosophical stance. He believed that a completion of quantum mechanics through "hidden variables" was essential for restoring a realistic and objective worldview, minimizing the role of "measurement" as emphasized in the Copenhagen interpretation. An intriguing development occurred in 1952 when David Bohm achieved what had been deemed impossible. John von Neumann had previously demonstrated that no hidden variable theory could align with quantum mechanics, yet Bohm formulated a theory where each particle possesses both a well-defined position and momentum. The conflict between von Neumann and Bohm was elegantly addressed by Bell, who revealed that von Neumann's proof relied on a physically unjustifiable assumption. While Bell opened the door for hidden variable theories, he also dealt them a significant setback. In his influential 1964 paper, "On the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Paradox," he demonstrated that any hidden variable theory adhering to Einstein's locality requirement would lead to contradictions with quantum mechanics, further complicating the debate surrounding the interpretation of quantum phenomena.
Like its much acclaimed predecessor "Quantum [Un]Speakables: From Bell to Quantum Information" (published 2002), it comprises essays by many of the worlds leading quantum physicists and philosophers.
