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Can Many-Worlds Survive a Quantum Doomsday

Bevers, Brett (2011) Can Many-Worlds Survive a Quantum Doomsday. [Preprint]

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Abstract

A novel puzzle for the notion of probability in the Many-Worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics is presented. The puzzle makes use of a thought experiment that some have claimed would provide empirical support for Many-Worlds over alternatives. It is argued that, if the predictions of Many-Worlds do indeed differ from other interpretations as claimed, then Born’s rule must generally be invalid in Many-Worlds. It is shown that the thought experiment provides a counter example for recent decision-theoretic arguments that purport to establish Born’s rule. Finally, it is shown that the puzzle can be grounded in general considerations regarding the nature of prediction in Many-Worlds.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Bevers, Brettbbevers@uci.edu
Keywords: Many-Worlds interpretation, quantum mechanics, problem of probability, quantum suicide
Subjects: General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Decision Theory
General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism
General Issues > Experimentation
General Issues > Explanation
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Structure of Theories
General Issues > Theory/Observation
General Issues > Thought Experiments
Depositing User: Brett Bevers
Date Deposited: 10 Jun 2011 11:21
Last Modified: 10 Jun 2011 11:21
Item ID: 8661
Subjects: General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Decision Theory
General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism
General Issues > Experimentation
General Issues > Explanation
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Structure of Theories
General Issues > Theory/Observation
General Issues > Thought Experiments
Date: 9 June 2011
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8661

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