Healey, Richard (2022) Securing the Objectivity of Relative Facts in the Quantum World. [Preprint]
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts relational quantum mechanics (RQM) with a pragmatist view of quantum theory. 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 have taken the Born rule to require relative facts I next say what these might be. This brings me to my main objection to RQM as originally conceived—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. But a very recent modification to RQM has successfully addressed my main objection, bringing the two views into even closer alignment.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| 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 |
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| Depositing User: | Richard Andrew Healey | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jul 2022 04:08 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 06 Jul 2022 04:08 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 20846 | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Evidence Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism General Issues > Thought Experiments |
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| Date: | 5 July 2022 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20846 |
Available Versions of this Item
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Quantum Relativity without Relativism. (deposited 29 Mar 2022 04:36)
- Securing the Objectivity of Relative Facts in the Quantum World. (deposited 06 Jul 2022 04:08) [Currently Displayed]
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