Solé, Albert (2013) Bohmian mechanics without wave function ontology. [Preprint]
![[img]](https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png)
|
PDF
BMWWFO_v1_Sole.pdf - Submitted Version Download (627kB) |
Abstract
In this paper I critically assess different three-dimensionalist interpretations of Bohmian mechanics in order to evaluate the prospects of interpreting Bohmian mechanics without committing to a wave function-based ontology. More specifically, my aim is to explore the connection between the debate concerning configuration space realism and another interpretive debate that is specific to Bohmian mechanics. Whereas defenders of the quantum potential approach to the theory claim that Bohmian mechanics is better formulated as quasi-Newtonian, via postulating forces proportional to acceleration, advocates of the guidance approach defend the notion that the theory is essentially first-order and incorporates causal concepts akin to those of Aristotelian physics. Here I analyze whether the desideratum of an interpretation of Bohmian mechanics that is both explanatorily adequate and not committed to the physical existence of the wave function or other entities in configuration space favors one approach to the theory over the other. Contrary to some recent claims in the literature, I argue that the quasi-Newtonian approach based on the idea of a quantum potential does not come at as the winner.
| Export/Citation: | EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL |
| Social Networking: |
| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creators: |
|
||||||
| Keywords: | Bohmian mechanics; quantum mechanics; quantum potential; wave function; explanation; causation. | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Causation General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
||||||
| Depositing User: | Albert Solé | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 29 Mar 2013 13:35 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 29 Mar 2013 13:35 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 9652 | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Causation General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
||||||
| Date: | 2013 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9652 |
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/style/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}