Synthese 110 (2):191-216 (1997)
Abstract |
This paper attempts an interpretation of Everett's relative state formulation of quantum mechanics that avoids the commitment to new metaphysical entities like âworldsâ or âmindsâ. Starting from Everett's quantum mechanical model of an observer, it is argued that an observer's belief to be in an eigenstate of the measurement (corresponding to the observation of a well-defined measurement outcome) is consistent with the fact that she objectively is in a superposition of such states. Subjective states corresponding to such beliefs are constructed. From an analysis of these subjective states and their dynamics it is argued that Everett's pure wave mechanics is subjectively consistent with von Neumann's classical formulation of quantum mechanics. It follows from the argument that the objective state of a system is in principle unobservable. Nevertheless, an adequate concept of empirical reality can be constructed
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Keywords | Consciousness Measurement Model Observer Quantum Mechanics Reality Science Subjective Everett, H |
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ISBN(s) | |
DOI | 10.1023/A:1004981126055 |
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References found in this work BETA
The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.R. I. G. Hughes - 1989 - Harvard University Press.
Interpreting the Many-Worlds Interpretation.David Albert & Barry Loewer - 1988 - Synthese 77 (November):195-213.
Epiphenomenal and Supervenient Causation.Jaegwon Kim - 1984 - Midwest Studies in Philosophy 9 (1):257-70.
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Citations of this work BETA
Holismus und Verbindungen zwischen der Philosophie des Geistes und der Philosophie der Physik.Michael Esfeld - 1998 - Conceptus: Zeitschrift Fur Philosophie 31 (79):153-174.
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