Course Description

The course will examine a cluster of interrelated issues concerning probability, determinism, logic, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. First we will consider senses in which classical Newtonian mechanics is (and is not)  deterministic. Then we will carefully analyze (versions of) "Bell's theorem". These can be understood to show the impossibility of reconciling determinism with "locality" in microphysics. They can also be taken to show that "quantum probability" is non-standard, i.e., not in conformity with the characterization of probability given by Kolmogorov.  Finally, we will consider certain controversial claims of Hilary Putnam about the connection between probability and logic in quantum mechanics. (It was Putnam's view, at least at one time, that "quantum probability" is standard, but "quantum logic" is not.)

The course will not presuppose any specific course work in physics, but will take for granted familiarity with formal logic (LPS 105B or its equivalent), and basic undergraduate mathematics (at least calculus and linear algebra). More advanced prior training in mathematics and/or physics will certainly be helpful 

For further information and a syllabus, see the Course Webpage