Defending the quantum reconstruction program

European Journal for Philosophy of Science 14 (3):1-32 (2024)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

The program of reconstructing quantum theory based on information-theoretic principles enjoys much popularity in the foundations of physics. Surprisingly, this endeavor has only received very little attention in philosophy. Here I argue that this should change. This is because, on the one hand, reconstructions can help us to better understand quantum mechanics, and, on the other hand, reconstructions are themselves in need of interpretation. My overall objective, thus, is to motivate the reconstruction program and to show why philosophers should care. My specific aims are threefold. (i) Clarify the relationship between reconstructing and interpreting quantum mechanics, (ii) show how the informational reconstruction of quantum theory puts pressure on standard realist interpretations, (iii) defend the quantum reconstruction program against possible objections.

Other Versions

No versions found

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 101,934

External links

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

Through your library

Similar books and articles

Reconstruction of quantum theory.Alexei Grinbaum - 2007 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 58 (3):387 - 408.
Reconstructions of quantum theory: methodology and the role of axiomatization.Jessica Oddan - 2024 - European Journal for Philosophy of Science 14 (2):1-24.
Quantum Logic and Quantum Reconstruction.Allen Stairs - 2015 - Foundations of Physics 45 (10):1351-1361.
Reconstructing instead of interpreting quantum theory.Alexei Grinbaum - 2007 - Philosophy of Science 74 (5):761-774.
Reconstruction and Reinvention in Quantum Theory.Michael Dickson - 2015 - Foundations of Physics 45 (10):1330-1340.

Analytics

Added to PP
2024-09-14

Downloads
24 (#925,441)

6 months
24 (#132,000)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Philipp Berghofer
University of Graz

Citations of this work

No citations found.

Add more citations

References found in this work

Relational quantum mechanics.Carlo Rovelli - 1996 - International Journal of Theoretical Physics 35 (8):1637--1678.
Elementary Quantum Metaphysics.David Albert - 1996 - In James T. Cushing, Arthur Fine & Sheldon Goldstein (eds.), Bohmian mechanics and quantum theory: an appraisal. Springer. pp. 277-284.
Physical relativity from a functionalist perspective.Eleanor Knox - 2017 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 67:118-124.

View all 38 references / Add more references