Everett and Structure

Details Everett and Structure Everett and Structure

2001-07-28

arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0107144v2

Studies in the History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 34 (2003), pp. 87-105

Physics

Quantum Physics

LaTeX; 20 pages; very late update (this updated version is from 2002)

Scientific paper

I address the problem of indefiniteness in quantum mechanics: the problem that the theory, without changes to its formalism, seems to predict that macroscopic quantities have no definite values. The Everett interpretation is often criticised along these lines and I shall argue that much of this criticism rests on a false dichotomy: that the macroworld must either be written directly into the formalism or be regarded as somehow illusory. By means of analogy with other areas of physics, I develop the view that the macroworld is instead to be understood in terms of certain structures and patterns which emerge from quantum theory (given appropriate dynamics, in particular decoherence). I extend this view to the observer, and in doing so make contact with functionalist theories of mind.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Everett and Structure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Everett and Structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Everett and Structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-23313