Barrett, Jeffrey A. (2016) Quantum Worlds. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Because of the conceptual difficulties it faces, quantum mechanics provides a salient example of how alternative metaphysical commitments may clarify our understanding of a physical theory and the explanations it provides. Here we will consider how postulating alternative quantum worlds in the context of Hugh Everett III's pure wave mechanics may serve to explain determinate measurement records and the standard quantum statistics. We will focus here on the properties of such worlds, then briefly consider other metaphysical options available for interpreting pure wave mechanics. These reflections will serve to illustrate both the nature and the limits of naturalized metaphysics.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Barrett, Jeffrey A. j.barrett@uci.edu
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in Principia.
Keywords:	Hugh Everett III, quantum mechanics, many worlds, pure wave mechanics, explanation, naturalized metaphysics
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Jeffrey Barrett
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2016 15:08
Last Modified:	01 Jun 2016 20:29
Item ID:	11944
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	2016
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/11944

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