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Is decoherence necessary for the emergence of many worlds?

Gao, Shan (2023) Is decoherence necessary for the emergence of many worlds? [Preprint]

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Abstract

It is usually thought that decoherence is necessary for the emergence of many worlds. In this paper, I argue that this may be not the case. First, I argue that the original synchronic decoherence condition leads to a contradiction in a thought experiment. Next, I argue that although the diachronic environmental decoherence condition may avoid the contradiction, it is not a necessary condition for the emergence of many worlds on a sufficiently short timescale. Finally, I argue that a more plausible necessary condition is the synchronic no-interference condition, and it can also avoid the contradiction.

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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Gao, Shansgao7319@uni.sydney.edu.au
Keywords: quantum mechanics; many-worlds interpretation; decoherence condition, no-interference condition
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
General Issues > Thought Experiments
Depositing User: Prof. Shan Gao
Date Deposited: 21 Nov 2023 00:07
Last Modified: 21 Nov 2023 00:07
Item ID: 22783
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
General Issues > Thought Experiments
Date: 19 November 2023
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/22783

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