PhilSci Archive

The primitive ontology of quantum physics: guidelines for an assessment of the proposals

Esfeld, Michael (2014) The primitive ontology of quantum physics: guidelines for an assessment of the proposals. [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
PDF
QT-PO.pdf

Download (193kB)

Abstract

The paper seeks to make progress from stating primitive ontology theories of quantum physics – notably Bohmian mechanics, the GRW matter density theory and the GRW flash theory – to assessing these theories. Four criteria are set out: (a) internal coherence; (b) empirical adequacy; (c) relationship to other theories; (d) explanatory value. The paper argues that the stock objections against these theories do not withstand scrutiny. Its focus then is on their explanatory value: they pursue different strategies to ground the textbook formalism of quantum mechanics, and they develop different explanations of quantum non-locality. In conclusion, it is argued that Bohmian mechanics offers a better prospect for making quantum non-locality intelligible than the GRW matter density theory and the GRW flash theory.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Esfeld, MichaelMichael-Andreas.Esfeld@unil.ch
Keywords: primitive ontology, Bohmian mechanics, GRW flash theory, GRW matter density theory, non-locality
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Michael Esfeld
Date Deposited: 04 Jun 2014 09:31
Last Modified: 04 Jun 2014 09:31
Item ID: 10711
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: June 2014
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10711

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item