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A Synopsis of the Minimal Modal Interpretation of Quantum Theory

Barandes, Jacob A. and Kagan, David (2014) A Synopsis of the Minimal Modal Interpretation of Quantum Theory. [Preprint]

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Abstract

We summarize a new realist, unextravagant interpretation of quantum theory that builds on the existing physical structure of the theory and allows experiments to have definite outcomes but leaves the theory's basic dynamical content essentially intact. Much as classical systems have specific states that evolve along definite trajectories through configuration spaces, the traditional formulation of quantum theory permits assuming that closed quantum systems have specific states that evolve unitarily along definite trajectories through Hilbert spaces, and our interpretation extends this intuitive picture of states and Hilbert-space trajectories to the more realistic case of open quantum systems despite the generic development of entanglement. Our interpretation—which we claim is ultimately compatible with Lorentz invariance—reformulates wave-function collapse in terms of an underlying interpolating dynamics, makes it possible to derive the Born rule from deeper principles, and resolves several open questions regarding ontological stability and dynamics.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Barandes, Jacob A.barandes@g.harvard.edu0000-0002-3740-4418
Kagan, David
Keywords: quantum mechanics, quantum theory, interpretations of quantum theory, modal interpretations, decoherence
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Dr. Jacob Barandes
Date Deposited: 10 Oct 2020 17:39
Last Modified: 10 Oct 2020 17:39
Item ID: 18209
Official URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/1405.6754
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 2014
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18209

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