Is the Universe in a Mixed State?

Foundations of Physics 54 (1):1-7 (2023)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Quantum mechanics with a fundamental density matrix has been proposed and discussed recently. Moreover, it has been conjectured that the universe is not in a pure state but in a mixed state in this theory. In this paper, I argue that this mixed state conjecture has two main problems: the redundancy problem and the underdetermination problem, which are lacking in quantum mechanics with a definite initial wave function of the universe.

Categories

Keywords

Reprint years

2024

DOI

10.1007/s10701-023-00742-6

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 91,532

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

My notes

Similar books and articles

Quantum States of a Time-Asymmetric Universe: Wave Function, Density Matrix, and Empirical Equivalence.Eddy Keming Chen - 2019 - Dissertation, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe: On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State.Eddy Keming Chen - 2021 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 72 (4):1155–1183.
Mean and Variance in Quantum Theory.John E. Gray & Andrew Vogt - 2015 - Foundations of Physics 45 (8):883-888.
Decoherence, Branching, and the Born Rule in a Mixed-State Everettian Multiverse.Eugene Y. S. Chua & Eddy Keming Chen - manuscript
Essays on the Metaphysics of Quantum Mechanics.Eddy Keming Chen - 2019 - Dissertation, Rutgers University, New Brunswick
The density matrix of scattered particles.Roger G. Newton - 1979 - Foundations of Physics 9 (11-12):929-935.
Color may be the phenomenal dual aspect of two-state quantum systems in a mixed state.Tal Hendel - manuscript
Time's Arrow in a Quantum Universe: On the Status of Statistical Mechanical Probabilities.Eddy Keming Chen - 2020 - In Valia Allori (ed.), Statistical Mechanics and Scientific Explanation: Determinism, Indeterminism and Laws of Nature. World Scientific. pp. 479–515.
Interpreting Quantum Mechanics and Predictability in Terms of Facts About the Universe.Andrew Knight - manuscript
A Bi-directional Big Bang/Crunch Universe within a Two-State-Vector Quantum Mechanics?Fritz W. Bopp - 2019 - Foundations of Physics 49 (1):53-62.
Hamiltonian Formulation of Statistical Ensembles and Mixed States of Quantum and Hybrid Systems.N. Burić, D. B. Popović, M. Radonjić & S. Prvanović - 2013 - Foundations of Physics 43 (12):1459-1477.
The Wentaculus: Density Matrix Realism Meets the Arrow of Time.Eddy Keming Chen - manuscript
On the Possibility That the Present Quantum State of the Universe is the Vacuum.David Z. Albert - 1988 - PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association 1988:127 - 133.
Intrinsically mixed states: an appreciation.Laura Ruetsche - 2004 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 35 (2):221-239.
Correct exposition of complementarity in Unruh's and Afshar's experiments.Danko Georgiev - manuscript

Analytics

Added to PP
2023-12-17

Downloads
18 (#826,353)

6 months
18 (#139,157)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Shan Gao
Shanxi University

Citations of this work

No citations found.

Add more citations

References found in this work

Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe: On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State.Eddy Keming Chen - 2021 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 72 (4):1155–1183.
Time and Chance.David Z. Albert - 2000 - Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

Add more references