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The Quantum Mechanical Path Integral: Toward a Realistic Interpretation

Sharlow, Mark (2007) The Quantum Mechanical Path Integral: Toward a Realistic Interpretation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper, I explore the feasibility of a realistic interpretation of the quantum mechanical path integral - that is, an interpretation according to which the particle actually follows the paths that contribute to the integral. I argue that an interpretation of this sort requires spacetime to have a branching structure similar to the structures of the branching spacetimes proposed by previous authors. I point out one possible way to construct branching spacetimes of the required sort, and I ask whether the resulting interpretation of quantum mechanics is empirically testable.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
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Sharlow, Mark
Additional Information: This is an updated version of a paper that appeared previously on the author's website.
Keywords: path integral, path integration, branching spacetime, non-Hausdorff, many worlds interpretation
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Mark Sharlow
Date Deposited: 17 Jan 2008
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:16
Item ID: 3780
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: December 2007
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3780

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