Healey, Richard (2010) Quantum Theory: a Pragmatist Approach. [Preprint]

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Abstract

While its applications have made quantum theory arguably the most successful theory in physics, its interpretation continues to be the subject of lively debate within the community of physicists and philosophers concerned with conceptual foundations. This situation poses a problem for a pragmatist for whom meaning derives from use. While disputes about how to use quantum theory have arisen from time to time, they have typically been quickly resolved, and consensus reached, within the relevant scientific sub-community. Yet rival accounts of the meaning of quantum theory continue to proliferate. In this article I offer a diagnosis of this situation and outline a pragmatist solution to the problem it poses, leaving further details for subsequent articles.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Healey, Richard
Keywords:	quantum theory--interpretation, pragmatism, Born Rule, quantum state,interference experiments, measurement problem, nonlocality
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Richard Andrew Healey
Date Deposited:	23 Aug 2010
Last Modified:	23 May 2011 09:23
Item ID:	5518
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	August 2010
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/5518

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• Quantum Theory: a Pragmatist Approach. (deposited 23 Aug 2010) [Currently Displayed]
  • Quantum Theory: a Pragmatist Approach. (deposited 23 May 2011 09:23)

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