Relational Quantum Mechanics and Probability

Foundations of Physics 48 (9):1092-1111 (2018)
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Abstract

We present a derivation of the third postulate of relational quantum mechanics from the properties of conditional probabilities. The first two RQM postulates are based on the information that can be extracted from interaction of different systems, and the third postulate defines the properties of the probability function. Here we demonstrate that from a rigorous definition of the conditional probability for the possible outcomes of different measurements, the third postulate is unnecessary and the Born’s rule naturally emerges from the first two postulates by applying the Gleason’s theorem. We demonstrate in addition that the probability function is uniquely defined for classical and quantum phenomena. The presence or not of interference terms is demonstrated to be related to the precise formulation of the conditional probability where distributive property on its arguments cannot be taken for granted. In the particular case of Young’s slits experiment, the two possible argument formulations correspond to the possibility or not to determine the particle passage through a particular path.

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Citations of this work

QBism and Relational Quantum Mechanics compared.Jacques Pienaar - 2021 - Foundations of Physics 51 (5):1-18.
Consistent Descriptions of Quantum Measurement.Jianhao M. Yang - 2019 - Foundations of Physics 49 (11):1306-1324.

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References found in this work

The structure and interpretation of quantum mechanics.R. I. G. Hughes - 1989 - Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Relational quantum mechanics.Carlo Rovelli - 1996 - International Journal of Theoretical Physics 35 (8):1637--1678.
The Character of Physical Law.Alex C. Michalos - 1967 - Philosophy of Science 34 (2):194-194.

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