https://doi.org/10.1140/epjh/s13129-024-00073-8
Regular Article
Pascual Jordan: from matrix multiplication to interference law
1
, Germignaga, Italy
2
Joint Research Centre, European Commission, via Enrico Fermi, 2749, 21027, Ispra, Italy
Received:
29
June
2023
Accepted:
8
April
2024
Published online:
7
June
2024
Pascual Jordan was the first to propose the law of interference of probability amplitudes as a principle of quantum mechanics. We analyze the role of probabilistic ideas played in this proposal from a historical perspective. In particular, we point out the relation between the usual theory of probability that Jordan called elementary and quantum mechanics. Jordan was the first to stress the analogy between the law of total probability and the law of interference. In this regard, we speculate about the intellectual path Jordan might have followed in order to arrive at the interference law. We do not oppose the usual probability to quantum probability. Instead, we are convinced, as Jordan was, that the rules of quantum mechanics are the rules of a probability theory that has ceased to be elementary.
Domenico Costantini and Carlo Ferigato have contributed equally to this work.
A correction to this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1140/epjh/s13129-024-00077-4.
Copyright comment corrected publication 2024
© European Union 2024. corrected publication 2024
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