Tappenden, Paul
(2011)
The World as Wavefunction.
[Preprint]
Abstract
Murray Gell-Mann and James Hartle have made an original proposal for a version of decoherent histories quantum mechanics which is specifically tailored so as not to imply the emergence of multiple quasi-classical worlds. I argue that there is an explanatory gap in the proposal but that there remains an important insight which might be used to tackle what can be seen as an outstanding problem for Hugh Everett III’s “relative state” interpretation of quantum mechanics, if it is understood as giving ontic priority to the wavefunction. The argument employs a recent novel analysis of self-location within any sort of multiverse.
| Item Type: |
Preprint
|
| Creators: |
|
| Additional Information: |
This paper combines the central idea in my 'A Metaphysics for Semantic Internalism' with an aspect of a recent proposal by Gell-Mann and Hartle to suggest how Everett's 'relative state' interpretation can be understood in terms of a fundamental wavefunction ontology. It is currently in submission. |
| Keywords: |
Everett, Decoherent histories, Wavefunction, Ontology |
| Subjects: |
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
| Depositing User: |
paul tappenden
|
| Date Deposited: |
28 Nov 2011 15:18 |
| Last Modified: |
29 Mar 2012 18:41 |
| Item ID: |
8918 |
| Subjects: |
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
| Date: |
26 November 2011 |
| URI: |
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8918 |
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The World as Wavefunction. (deposited 28 Nov 2011 15:18)
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