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Observation and Quantum Objectivity

Healey, Richard A. (2013) Observation and Quantum Objectivity. [Preprint]

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    Abstract

    The paradox of Wigner's friend challenges the objectivity of quantum theory. A pragmatist interpretation can meet this challenge by judicious appeal to decoherence. Quantum theory provides situated agents with resources for predicting and explaining what happens in the physical world---not conscious observations of it. Even in bizarre Wigner's friend scenarios, differently situated agents agree on the objective content of physical magnitude statements, while normally Quantum Darwinism permits agents equal observational access to their truth. Quantum theory has nothing to say about conscious experiences. But it does prompt us to reexamine the significance of everyday claims about the physical world.

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    Item Type: Preprint
    Additional Information: Forthcoming in Philosophy of Science
    Keywords: Objectivity, quantum theory, Wigner's friend, quantum Darwinism
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
    General Issues > Theory/Observation
    Depositing User: Richard Andrew Healey
    Date Deposited: 24 Apr 2013 12:11
    Last Modified: 24 Apr 2013 12:11
    Item ID: 9691
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9691

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