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There Is No Measurement Problem for Humeans

Dorst, Chris (2021) There Is No Measurement Problem for Humeans. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The measurement problem concerns an apparent conflict between the two fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, namely the Schrödinger equation and the measurement postulate. These principles describe inconsistent behavior for quantum systems in so-called "measurement contexts." Many theorists have thought that the measurement problem can only be resolved by proposing a mechanistic explanation of (genuine or apparent) wavefunction collapse that avoids explicit reference to "measurement." However, I argue here that the measurement problem dissolves if we accept Humeanism about laws of nature. On a Humean metaphysics, there is no conflict between the two principles, nor is there any inherent problem with the concept of "measurement" figuring into the account of collapse.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Dorst, Chriscdorst@ufl.edu
Additional Information: Forthcoming in Noûs
Keywords: measurement problem, Humeanism, best systems account, laws of nature, measurement postulate, wavefunction collapse
Subjects: General Issues > Laws of Nature
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Chris Dorst
Date Deposited: 28 Sep 2021 22:25
Last Modified: 28 Sep 2021 22:25
Item ID: 19623
Subjects: General Issues > Laws of Nature
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 23 September 2021
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19623

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