Healey, Richard (2012) Quantum decoherence in a pragmatist view: Resolving the measurement problem. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper aims to show how adoption of a pragmatist interpretation permits a satisfactory resolution of the quantum measurement problem. The classic measurement problem dissolves once one recognizes that it is not the function of the quantum state to describe or represent the behavior of a quantum system. The residual problem of when, and to what, to apply the Born Rule may then be resolved by judicious appeal to decoherence. This can give sense to talk of measurements of photons and other particles even though quantum field theory does not describe particles.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Healey, Richard
Keywords:	Measurement problem, quantum theory, pragmatist interpretation, quantum fields
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Richard Andrew Healey
Date Deposited:	01 Aug 2012 01:42
Last Modified:	01 Aug 2012 01:42
Item ID:	9267
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	30 July 2012
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9267

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