Symposium On The Foundations Of Modern Physics

Symposium on the Foundations of Modern Physics 1993 is the fourth in a series of conferences held in Joensuu, Finland, in the years 1985, 1987 and 1990 and is devoted to offering discussions on foundational problems of quantum mechanics and other fundamental physical theories, taking into account new experimental developments. The surveying of the progress with respect to fundamental questions of the quantum theory of measurement forms the guiding line of thought of the present Symposium, the main themes discussed being: the interrelation of quantum measurement and irreversibility; the physics of information (concerned with questions of information processing and quantum noise); quantum interference and mesoscopic quantum effects (searching for the micro-macro borderline); and the quantum-classical relationship (the need for classical pointer and their realisation).

The lectures focus on the relevance of the Copenhagen interpretation today and on the philosophy of Wolfgang Pauli.

The theory of quantum mechanical measuring process has been a subject of increasing research interest during recent years. The revival of interest in it was encouraged during the 1980's due to the advances on the formal and conceptual structures of quantum mechanics, accompanied with new experimental possibilities and technological demands, as well as due to new ideas on the interpretation of the theory. This proceedings is devoted to reviewing the present situation on quantum measurement theory and discussing the related philosophical implications.