Interpreting Quantum Theory [electronic resource] : A Therapeutic Approach /
Friederich, S.author.
Is it possible to approach quantum theory in a 'therapeutic' vein that sees its foundational problems as arising from mistaken conceptual presuppositions? The book explores the prospects for this project and, in doing so, discusses such fascinating issues as the nature of quantum states, explanation in quantum theory, and 'quantum non-locality'.
Description based upon print version of record.
Cover; Title; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; Series Editor's Foreword; Preface; Part I Introduction and Background; 1 Introduction; 1.1 Quantum foundations; 1.2 The idea of a therapeutic approach; 1.3 Outline of this work; 2 Sketch of the Formalism; 2.1 The Hilbert space formalism; 2.2 Measurement and collapse; 2.3 Many-component systems and entanglement; 3 Interpretations as Solutions to the Measurement Problem; 3.1 Exposition of the problem; 3.1.1 Maudlin's formulation; 3.1.2 A fallacious solution; 3.2 Additional parameters; 3.2.1 Pilot wave theory
3.2.2 Alternatives: modal interpretations3.3 Schr ̈odinger time-evolution not universal?; 3.3.1 From Wigner to Penrose; 3.3.2 The GRW model; 3.4 No determinate outcomes; 3.4.1 Defining branches; 3.4.2 How do probabilities fit into the picture?; Part II The Rule Perspective; 4 Motivating a Therapeutic Approach; 4.1 Absence of the foundational problems in practice; 4.2 Philosophy as therapy; 4.3 Quantum states as non-descriptive; 4.3.1 Dissolving the measurement problem; 4.3.2 Collapse as update; 4.3.3 Types of epistemic accounts; 4.4 Space-time structure and collapse
5 In Search of a Viable Epistemic Account5.1 Knowledge of probabilities versus probabilities as degrees of belief; 5.2 Quantum Bayesianism; 5.2.1 Probabilities as subjective; 5.2.2 Values of observables as subjective?; 5.3 Objectivity of observables measured in an epistemic account of states; 5.4 Constitutive rules; 6 Quantum Probabilities: What Are They?; 6.1 Probabilities of what?; 6.2 Probabilities of what kind?; 6.2.1 Relative frequencies?; 6.2.2 Propensities?; 6.2.3 Objective probabilities as constraints on rational credences; 6.3 Objections to this interpretation of probabilities
6.3.1 The means/ends objection6.3.2 The quantum Bayesian Moore's paradox; Part III Objections; 7 Copenhagen Reloaded?; 7.1 Bohr and 'classical language'; 7.2 Heisenberg and the epistemic conception of quantum states; 7.2.1 Heisenberg on pure versus mixed states; 7.2.2 Heisenberg on quantum probabilities as 'objective tendencies'; 8 The Charge of Anthropocentrism; 8.1 Bell's criticism; 8.2 Anthropocentric notions and value determinateness; 9 Reduction and Explanation; 9.1 The micro/macro divide; 9.2 Explanation without ontic quantum states
Part IV Non-locality, Quantum Field Theory, and Reality10 Non-locality Reconsidered; 10.1 Quantum theory and special relativity - again; 10.2 Formulating local causality; 10.2.1 Causation and counterfactuals; 10.2.2 Local causality probabilistically; 10.3 The Principal Principle and admissible evidence; 10.4 Intuitive probabilistic local causality in the language of the Principal Principle; 10.5 Quantum theory, local causality, and the Principal Principle; 10.6 But how does nature perform the trick?; 11 A Look at Quantum Field Theory; 11.1 Lagrangian versus algebraic quantum field theory
11.2 Basics of the algebraic approach
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Is it possible to approach quantum theory in a 'therapeutic' vein that sees its foundational problems as arising from mistaken conceptual presuppositions? The book explores the prospects for this project and, in doing so, discusses such fascinating issues as the nature of quantum states, explanation in quantum theory, and 'quantum non-locality'.
Philosophy and science.
Metaphysics.
Quantum physics.
Elementary particles (Physics).
Quantum field theory.
Philosophy of Science.
Metaphysics.
Quantum Physics.
Elementary Particles, Quantum Field Theory.