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Everett and Structure

Wallace, David (2001) Everett and Structure. [Preprint]

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Abstract

I address the problem of indefiniteness in quantum mechanics: the problem that the theory, without changes to its formalism, seems to predict that macroscopic quantities have no definite values. The Everett interpretation is often criticised along these lines and I shall argue that much of this criticism rests on a false dichotomy: that the macroworld must either be written directly into the formalism or be regarded as somehow illusory. By means of analogy with other areas of physics, I develop the view that the macroworld is instead to be understood in terms of certain structures and patterns which emerge from quantum theory (given appropriate dynamics, in particular decoherence). I extend this view to the observer, and in doing so make contact with functionalist theories of mind.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Wallace, David
Keywords: Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics - Everett Interpretation Preferred Basis Decoherence Emergence
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Professor David Wallace
Date Deposited: 25 Jul 2002
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:10
Item ID: 681
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: December 2001
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/681

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