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 Series Editor's Foreword PART I: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1. Introduction 2. Sketch of the Formalism 3. Interpretations as Solutions to the Measurement Problem PART II: THE RULE PERSPECTIVE 4. Motivating a Therapeutic Approach 5. In Search of a Viable Epistemic Account 6. Quantum Probabilities: What Are They? PART III: OBJECTIONS 7. Copenhagen Reloaded? 8. The Charge of Anthropocentricism 9. Reduction and Explanation PART IV: NON-LOCALITY, QUANTUM FIELD THEORY, AND REALITY 10. Non-locality Reconsidered 11. A Look at Quantum Field Theory 12. Quantum Theory and 'Reality' Appendix A. Sketch of Bell's Theorem B. The Kochen-Specker Theorem in a Nutshell C. The Pusey-Barrett-Rudolph (PBR) Theorem—A Short Introduction Notes Bibliography 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'.