Healey, Richard (2022) Quantum Relativity without Relativism. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper compares and contrasts relational quantum mechanics (RQM) with a pragmatist view of quantum theory that I’ll call desert pragmatism (DP). I’ll first explain important points of agreement. Then I’ll point to two problems faced by RQM and sketch DP’s solutions to analogous problems. Since both RQM and DP take the Born rule to require relative facts I next say what these might be. This brings me to my main objection to RQM—that its ontology of relative facts is incompatible with scientific objectivity and undercuts the evidential base of quantum theory. In contrast, DP’s relative facts have all the objectivity we need to accept quantum theory as scientific knowledge.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Healey, Richard richardahealey@gmail.com 0000-0001-9329-2927
Additional Information:	For publication in a special issue of Foundations of Physics on Relational Quantum Mechanics
Keywords:	Relational quantum mechanics; pragmatist approach; scientific objectivity; relative fact; relativism; context of use; context of assessment; Wigner's friend.
Subjects:	General Issues > Evidence Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism General Issues > Thought Experiments
Depositing User:	Richard Andrew Healey
Date Deposited:	29 Mar 2022 04:36
Last Modified:	29 Mar 2022 04:36
Item ID:	20397
Subjects:	General Issues > Evidence Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism General Issues > Thought Experiments
Date:	26 March 2022
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20397

Available Versions of this Item

• Quantum Relativity without Relativism. (deposited 29 Mar 2022 04:36) [Currently Displayed]
  • Securing the Objectivity of Relative Facts in the Quantum World. (deposited 06 Jul 2022 04:08)

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