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On a Symmetry Argument for the Guidance Equation

Skow, Bradford (2010) On a Symmetry Argument for the Guidance Equation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Bohmian mechanics faces an underdetermination problem: when it comes to solving the measurement problem, alternatives to the Bohmian guidance equa- tion work just as well as the official guidance equation. Dürr, Goldstein, and Zanghì have argued that of the candidate guidance equations, the official guid- ance equation is the simplest Galilean-invariant candidate. This symmetry argument—if it worked—would solve the underdetermination problem. But the argument does not work. It fails because it rests on assumptions about how Galilean transformations (especially boosts) act on the wavefunction that are (in this context) unwarranted. My discussion has larger morals about the phys- ical significance of certain mathematical results (like, for example, Wigner’s theorem) in non-orthodox interpretations of quantum mechanics.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Skow, Bradford
Keywords: Quantum Mechanics Symmetry
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Bradford Skow
Date Deposited: 20 Feb 2012 03:37
Last Modified: 20 Feb 2012 03:37
Item ID: 9019
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 2010
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9019

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