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Observing a Superposition

Skokowski, Paul (2021) Observing a Superposition. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The bare theory is a no-collapse version of quantum mechanics which predicts certain puzzling results for the introspective beliefs of human observers of superpositions. The bare theory can be interpreted to claim that an observer can form false beliefs about the outcome of an experiment which produces a superpositional result. It is argued that, when careful consideration is given to the observer’s belief states and their evolution, the observer does not end up with the beliefs claimed. This result leads to questions about whether there can be any allure for no-collapse theories as austere as the bare theory.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Skokowski, Paulpaul.skokowski@seh.ox.ac.uk0000-0002-9543-5925
Keywords: Everett; bare theory; superposition; Quantum mechanics; belief; introspection; no-collapse; quantum measurement; perception; neuroscience; David Albert; experience
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Neuroscience > Cognitive Neuroscience
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Concepts and Representations
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Consciousness
Specific Sciences > Neuroscience
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Perception
Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Dr. Paul Skokowski
Date Deposited: 06 Mar 2021 00:51
Last Modified: 06 Mar 2021 00:51
Item ID: 18774
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Neuroscience > Cognitive Neuroscience
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Concepts and Representations
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Consciousness
Specific Sciences > Neuroscience
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Perception
Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 3 March 2021
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18774

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