Kastner, Ruth (2017) On the Status of the Measurement Problem: Recalling the Relativistic Transactional Interpretation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In view of a resurgence of concern about the measurement problem, it is pointed out that the Relativistic Transactional Interpretation (RTI) remedies issues previously considered as drawbacks or refutations of the original TI. Specifically, once one takes into account relativistic processes that are not representable at the non-relativistic level (such as particle creation and annihilation, and virtual propagation), absorption is quantitatively defined in unambiguous physical terms. RTI therefore provides a well-defined terminus to what appears to be a necessary infinite regress concerning ‘absorption’ when only the non-relativistic level is considered. In addition, specifics of the relativistic transactional model demonstrate that the Maudlin ‘contingent absorber’ challenge to the original TI cannot even be mounted: basic features of established relativistic field theories (in particular, the asymmetry between field sources and the bosonic fields, and the fact that slow-moving bound states, such as atoms, are not offer waves) dictate that the ‘slow-moving offer wave’ required for the challenge scenario cannot exist. It is concluded that issues previously considered obstacles for TI are no longer legitimately viewed as such, and that reconsideration of the transactional picture is warranted in connection with solving the measurement problem.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Kastner, Ruth
Keywords:	quantum theory, measurement problem, collapse, transactional interpretation
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Ruth E. Kastner
Date Deposited:	29 Sep 2017 14:16
Last Modified:	18 Sep 2018 13:48
Item ID:	13500
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	27 September 2017
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/13500

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• On the Status of the Measurement Problem: Recalling the Relativistic Transactional Interpretation. (deposited 28 Sep 2017 15:24)
  • On the Status of the Measurement Problem: Recalling the Relativistic Transactional Interpretation. (deposited 29 Sep 2017 14:16) [Currently Displayed]

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