Wallace, David (2009) A formal proof of the Born rule from decision-theoretic assumptions. [Preprint]

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Abstract

I develop the decision-theoretic approach to quantum probability, originally proposed by David Deutsch, into a mathematically rigorous proof of the Born rule in (Everett-interpreted) quantum mechanics. I sketch the argument informally, then prove it formally, and lastly consider a number of proposed ``counter-examples'' to show exactly which premises of the argument they violate. (This is a preliminary version of a chapter to appear --- under the title ``How to prove the Born Rule'' --- in Saunders, Barrett, Kent and Wallace, "Many worlds? Everett, quantum theory and reality", forthcoming from Oxford University Press.)

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Wallace, David
Keywords:	Everett interpretation Probability in quantum theory
Subjects:	General Issues > Decision Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Professor David Wallace
Date Deposited:	16 Jun 2009
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:18
Item ID:	4709
Subjects:	General Issues > Decision Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	June 2009
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/4709

Commentary/Response Threads

• Wallace, David A formal proof of the Born rule from decision-theoretic assumptions. (deposited 16 Jun 2009) [Currently Displayed]
  • Finkelstein, Jerry Has the Born rule been proven? (deposited 13 Jul 2009)

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