Suárez, Mauricio (2004) Quantum Measurements, Propensities and the Problem of Measurement. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper expands on, and provides a qualified defence of, Arthur Fine’s selective interactions solution to the measurement problem. Fine’s approach must be understood against the background of the insolubility proof of the quantum measurement. I first defend the proof as an appropriate formal representation of the quantum measurement problem. Then I clarify the nature of selective interactions, and more generally selections, and I go on to offer three arguments in their favour. First, selections provide the only known solution to the measurement problem that does not relinquish any of the explicit premises of the insolubility proofs. Second, unlike some no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics selections suffer no difficulties with non-ideal measurements. Third, unlike most collapse-interpretations selections can be independently motivated by an appeal to quantum propensities.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Suárez, Mauricio
Keywords:	quantum mechanics, problem of measurement, insolubility proofs, propensities
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Mauricio Suarez
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2004
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:12
Item ID:	1572
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	June 2004
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1572

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