The Early Axiomatizations of Quantum Mechanics: Jordan, von Neumann and the Continuation of Hilbert's Program |
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Authors: | JAN LACKI |
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Institution: | History and Philosophy of Science?University of Geneva?24, quai Ernest-Ansermet?1211 Geneva 4?Switzerland, CH
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Abstract: | Hilbert's axiomatization program of physical theories met an interesting challenge when it confronted the rise of quantum
mechanics in the mid-twenties. The novelty of the mathematical apparatus of the then newly born theory was to be matched only
by its substantial lack of any definite physical interpretation. The early attempts at axiomatization, which are described
here, reflect all the difficulty of the task faced by Jordan, Hilbert, von Neumann and others. The role of von Neumann is
examined in considerable detail as he can be viewed here as the most outstanding of Hilbert's heirs. Von Neumann, especially
in his work devoted to the proof of the impossibility of hidden variables, not only continued Hilbert's program but pushed
it to its very limits, blending axiomatic rigor and interpretative commitment.
(Received September 9, 1999) |
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