Gao, Shan (2019) Can the wave function of the universe be a law of nature? [Preprint]

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Abstract

It has been debated whether the wave function of the universe is ontic or nomological in a quantum theory in which the wave function is real, such as Bohm's theory. In this paper, I argue that a natural way to explain the result of a protective measurement is to admit that the wave function is ontic, representing a concrete physical entity. The ontic view of the wave function satisfies the principle of locality for product states, as well as the causal closure principle, while the nomological view of the wave function violates the principle of locality for product states, and it can hardly satisfy the causal closure principle either.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Gao, Shan sgao7319@uni.sydney.edu.au
Keywords:	wave function; nomological view; Bohm's theory; protective measurement; ontic view; locality for product states; causal closure principle
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Prof. Shan Gao
Date Deposited:	29 Apr 2019 14:21
Last Modified:	29 Apr 2019 14:21
Item ID:	15945
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	28 April 2019
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15945

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