Boge, Florian (2016) ψ-Epistemic Models, Einsteinian Intuitions, and No-Gos. A Critical Study of Recent Developments on the Quantum State. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Quantum mechanics notoriously faces the measurement problem, the problem that if read thoroughly, it implies the nonexistence of definite outcomes in measurement procedures. A plausible reaction to this and to related problems is to regard a system's quantum state |ψ> merely as an indication of our lack of knowledge about the system, i.e., to interpret it epistemically. However, there are radically different ways to spell out such an epistemic view of the quantum state. We here investigate recent developments in the branch that introduces hidden variables λ in addition to the quantum state |ψ> and has its roots in Einstein's views. In particular, we confront purported achievements of a concrete model that has been considered to serve as evidence for an epistemic view of the envisioned kind, as well as specific no-go results and their import. It will be argued that while an epistemic account of the particular kind is not straightforwardly ruled out by the no-go results, they demonstrate that the evidential character of the model(s) discussed rests on a rather shaky foundation, and that they make some achievements widely recognized in the literature appear worthy of doubt.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Boge, Florian boge@phil.hhu.de
Keywords:	ontological models, PBR theorem, ψ-epistemic models, quantum mechanics
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Depositing User:	Mr Florian Boge
Date Deposited:	18 Apr 2016 14:19
Last Modified:	18 Apr 2016 14:19
Item ID:	12048
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Date:	2016
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12048

Available Versions of this Item

• On Modern Approaches to the Einsteinian View of Quantum States. (deposited 30 Mar 2016 18:51)
  • ψ-Epistemic Models, Einsteinian Intuitions, and No-Gos. A Critical Study of Recent Developments on the Quantum State. (deposited 18 Apr 2016 14:19) [Currently Displayed]

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