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In defence of non-ontic accounts of quantum states

Friederich, Simon (2013) In defence of non-ontic accounts of quantum states. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The paper discusses objections against non-hidden variable versions of the epistemic conception of quantum states — the view that quantum states do not describe the properties of quantum systems but reflect, in some way to be specified, the epistemic conditions of agents assigning them. In the first half of the paper, the main motivation for the epistemic conception of quantum states is sketched, and a version of it is outlined, which combines ideas from an earlier study of it [Friederich 2011] with elements of Richard Healey’s recent pragmatist interpretation of quantum theory [Healey 2012]. In the second half, various objections against epistemic accounts of quantum states are discussed in detail, which are based on criticisms found in the literature. Possible answers by the version outlined here are compared with answers from the quantum Bayesian point of view, which is at present the most discussed version of the epistemic conception of quantum states.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Friederich, Simonemail@simonfriederich.eu
Additional Information: forthcoming in "Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics"
Keywords: quantum states; quantum probabilities; anthropocentric notions; micro/macro divide; explanation and prediction
Subjects: General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Depositing User: Dr. Simon Friederich
Date Deposited: 08 Feb 2013 14:33
Last Modified: 08 Feb 2013 14:33
Item ID: 9550
Subjects: General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Date: 7 February 2013
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9550

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