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On the Relationship Between Modelling Practices and Interpretive Stances in Quantum Mechanics

Ruyant, Quentin (2021) On the Relationship Between Modelling Practices and Interpretive Stances in Quantum Mechanics. Foundations of Science. ISSN 1233-1821

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Abstract

The purpose of this article is to establish a connection between modelling practices and interpretive approaches in quantum mechanics, taking as a starting point the literature on scientific representation. Different types of modalities (epistemic, practical, conceptual and natural) play different roles in scientific representation. I postulate that the way theoretical structures are interpreted in this respect affects the way models are constructed. In quantum mechanics, this would be the case in particular of initial conditions and observables. I examine two formulations of quantum mechanics, the standard wave-function formulation and the consistent histories formulation, and show that they correspond to opposite stances, which confirms my approach. Finally, I examine possible strategies for deciding between these stances.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Ruyant, Quentinquentin.ruyant@gmail.com
Keywords: quantum mechanics consistent histories wave-function modalities scientific representation perspectivism
Subjects: General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Mr. Quentin Ruyant
Date Deposited: 14 Jan 2021 01:12
Last Modified: 14 Jan 2021 01:12
Item ID: 18596
Journal or Publication Title: Foundations of Science
Publisher: Springer
Official URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10699-02...
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1007/s10699-020-09774-x
Subjects: General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 2021
ISSN: 1233-1821
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18596

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