Interpreting Quantum Theory: A Therapeutic Approach (New Directions in the Philosophy of Science)

Is it possible to approach quantum theory in a 'therapeutic' vein that sees its foundational problems as arising from mistaken conceptual presuppositions? This book explores the prospects for this project and, in doing so, discusses such fascinating issues as the nature of quantum states, explanation in quantum theory, and 'quantum non-locality'. Debates about the foundations of quantum theory usually circle around two main challenges: the so-called 'measurement problem' and a claimed tension between quantum theory and relativity theory that arises from the phenomena labelled 'quantum non-locality'. This work explores the possibility of a 'therapeutic approach' to these problems that regards them as arising from mistaken conceptual presuppositions and quantum theory as a fully respectable theory that is fine as it stands. Pursuing this project, the book develops and defends the idea that quantum states do not represent features of physical reality, it distinguishes between legitimate and illegitimate uses of anthropocentric notions in foundational accounts, it considers the nature of explanation in quantum theory, and it addresses complications that arise in quantum field theory. In addition, it argues that quantum theory is 'locally causal' inasmuch as quantum probabilities, properly construed, are independent of what occurs at space-like distance Debates about the foundations of quantum theory usually circle around two main challenges: the so-called 'measurement problem' and a claimed tension between quantum theory and relativity theory that arises from the phenomena labelled 'quantum non-locality'. This work explores the possibility of a 'therapeutic approach' to these problems that regards them as arising from mistaken conceptual presuppositions and quantum theory as a fully respectable theory that is fine as it stands. Pursuing this project, the book develops and defends the idea that quantum states do not represent features of physical reality, it distinguishes between legitimate and illegitimate uses of anthropocentric notions in foundational accounts, it considers the nature of explanation in quantum theory, and it addresses complications that arise in quantum field theory. In addition, it argues that quantum theory is 'locally causal' inasmuch as quantum probabilities, properly construed, are independent of what occurs at space-like distance.--Back cover Front Matter....Pages i-xiii Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Introduction....Pages 3-12 Sketch of the Formalism....Pages 13-25 Interpretations as Solutions to the Measurement Problem....Pages 26-45 Front Matter....Pages 47-47 Motivating a Therapeutic Approach....Pages 49-60 In Search of a Viable Epistemic Account....Pages 61-74 Quantum Probabilities: What Are They?....Pages 75-91 Front Matter....Pages 93-93 Copenhagen Reloaded?....Pages 95-104 The Charge of Anthropocentrism....Pages 105-112 Reduction and Explanation....Pages 113-121 Front Matter....Pages 123-123 Non-locality Reconsidered....Pages 125-145 A Look at Quantum Field Theory....Pages 146-156 Quantum Theory and ‘Reality’....Pages 157-167 Back Matter....Pages 168-202 Is it possible to approach quantum theory in a 'therapeutic' vein that sees its foundational problems as arising from mistaken conceptual presuppositions? The book explores the prospects for this project and, in doing so, discusses such fascinating issues as the nature of quantum states, explanation in quantum theory, and 'quantum non-locality'.