Friederich, Simon (2012) Interpreting Heisenberg interpreting quantum states. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The paper investigates possible readings of the later Heisenberg's remarks on the nature of quantum states. It discusses, in particular, whether Heisenberg should be seen as a proponent of the epistemic conception of states---the view that quantum states are not descriptions of quantum systems but rather reflect the state assigning observers'
epistemic relations to these systems. On the one hand, it seems plausible that Heisenberg subscribes to that view, given how he defends the notorious “collapse of the wave
function” by relating it to a sudden change in the epistemic situation of the observer registering a measured result. On the other hand, his remarks on quantum probabilities as "potentia" or "objective tendencies" are difficult to reconcile with such a reading. The accounts that are attributed to Heisenberg by the different possible readings considered are subjected to closer scrutiny; at the same time, their respective virtues and problems are
discussed.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Friederich, Simon friederich@uni-wuppertal.de
Additional Information:	forthcoming with minor changes in "Philosophia Naturalis": Only the version published there should be cited.
Keywords:	Werner Heisenberg, quantum theory, interpretation, quantum probabilities
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Dr. Simon Friederich
Date Deposited:	07 Aug 2012 02:45
Last Modified:	07 Aug 2012 02:45
Item ID:	9269
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	5 August 2012
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9269

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