The nature of the controversy over time‐symmetric quantum counterfactuals

Philosophy of Science 70 (1):145-163 (2003)
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Abstract

It is proposed that the recent controversy over "time-symmetric quantum counterfactuals" (TSQCs), based on the Aharonov-Bergmann-Lebowitz Rule for measurements of pre- and post-selected systems, can be clarified by taking TSQCs to be counterfactuals with a specific type of compound antecedent. In that case, inconsistency proofs such as that of Sharp and Shanks (1993) are not applicable, and the main issue becomes not whether such statements are true, but whether they are nontrivial. The latter question is addressed and answered in the negative. Thus it is concluded that TSQCs, understood as counterfactuals with a compound antecedent, are true but only trivially so, and provide no new contingent information about specific quantum systems (except in special cases already identified in literature).

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Citations of this work

The transactional interpretation, counterfactuals, and weak values in quantum theory.Ruth E. Kastner - 2008 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 39 (4):806-818.
The transactional interpretation, counterfactuals, and weak values in quantum theory.Ruth E. Kastner - 2008 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 39 (4):806-818.

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References found in this work

Asymmetries in Time.Paul Horwich - 1990 - Noûs 24 (5):804-806.
The problem of counterfactual conditionals.Nelson Goodman - 1947 - Journal of Philosophy 44 (5):113-128.
Weak-measurement elements of reality.Lev Vaidman - 1996 - Foundations of Physics 26 (7):895-906.
Time-Symmetrized Counterfactuals in Quantum Theory.Lev Vaidman - 1999 - Foundations of Physics 29 (5):755-765.

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