Quantum Worlds

Quantum Worlds

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...

Some Worlds of Quantum Theory

1. Introduction In this paper, I shall sketch some of the issues that arise in the interpretation of quantum theory, from the perspective of a philosopher of physics. I will emphasise the measurement problem: for it is widely agreed to be the theory's main interpretative problem (and to equally confront advanced quantum theories, like quantum field theory). My over-arching aim will be to emphas...

Quantum probability and many worlds

We discuss the meaning of probabilities in the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. We start by presenting very briefly the many worlds theory, how the problem of probability arises, and some unsuccessful attempts to solve it in the past. Then we criticize a recent attempt by Deutsch to derive the quantum mechanical probabilities from the non-probabilistic parts of quantum mechanics...

Finding ordinary objects in some quantum worlds

When metaphysicians pay attention to theories in fundamental physics, they are usually interested in their implications for fundamental metaphysics: they want to know what the theories imply or suggest concerning the ultimate structure of reality. This essay, by contrast, is concerned with the “derivative metaphysics” of quantum mechanics. I will be considering a certain hypothesis about the fu...

Many Worlds : Quantum Theory and Reality ?