Suárez, Mauricio (2004) Causal Processes and Propensities in Quantum Mechanics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In an influential article published in 1982, Bas Van Fraassen developed an argument against causal realism on the basis of an analysis of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations of quantum mechanics. Several philosophers of science and experts in causal inference – including some causal realists like Wesley Salmon – have accepted Van Fraassen’s argument, interpreting it as a proof that the quantum correlations cannot be given any causal model. In this paper I argue that Van Fraassen’s article can also be interpreted as a good guide to the different causal models available for the EPR correlations, and their relative virtues. These models in turn give us insight into some of the unusual features that quantum propensities might have.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Suárez, Mauricio
Additional Information:	Appeared in Suárez and Bird (eds), "Dispositions, Propensities and Causes in Science", special issue of the Spanish journal Theoria, 19, 3, pp. 271-300, September 2004.
Keywords:	Philosophy of Science, Quantum Mechanics, Causality, Propensities, Realism.
Depositing User:	Prof Mauricio Suárez
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2005
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:13
Item ID:	2253
Date:	January 2004
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/2253

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