Healey, Richard (2013) How quantum theory helps us explain. [Preprint]

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Abstract

I offer an account of how the quantum theory we have helps us explain the enormous variety of phenomena it is generally taken to explain. The account depends on what I have elsewhere called a pragmatist interpretation of the theory. This rejects views according to which a quantum state describes or represents a physical system, holding instead that it functions as a source of sound advice to physically situated agents like us on the content and appropriate degree of belief about matters concerning which they are currently inevitably ignorant. So while the account given here is incompatible with some views of structural explanation in quantum theory it is nevertheless able to incorporate what I take to be their valuable insights.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Healey, Richard
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
Keywords:	Quantum theory, scientific explanation, pragmatist
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Richard Andrew Healey
Date Deposited:	24 Apr 2013 16:13
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2013 16:13
Item ID:	9692
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	20 April 2013
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9692

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• How Quantum Theory Helps us Explain. (deposited 12 Aug 2011 10:04)

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