Sharlow, Mark (2007) The Quantum Mechanical Path Integral: Toward a Realistic Interpretation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper, I explore the feasibility of a realistic interpretation of the quantum mechanical path integral - that is, an interpretation according to which the particle actually follows the paths that contribute to the integral. I argue that an interpretation of this sort requires spacetime to have a branching structure similar to the structures of the branching spacetimes proposed by previous authors. I point out one possible way to construct branching spacetimes of the required sort, and I ask whether the resulting interpretation of quantum mechanics is empirically testable.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Sharlow, Mark
Additional Information:	This is an updated version of a paper that appeared previously on the author's website.
Keywords:	path integral, path integration, branching spacetime, non-Hausdorff, many worlds interpretation
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Mark Sharlow
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2008
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:16
Item ID:	3780
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	December 2007
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3780

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