Overview
- Explores the prospects and problems in interpreting quantum theory either ontologically or epistemically
- Offers a fresh look at realism, causation, and truth in the context of quantum theory
- Presents an epistemological interpretation of quantum theory with a Kantian twist
Part of the book series: European Studies in Philosophy of Science (ESPS, volume 10)
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Table of contents (7 chapters)
Keywords
- Bohmian Mechanics
- Constitutive a Priori
- Collapse Models
- Epistemic Interpretation of Quantum Theory
- Hidden Variables philosophy
- Interpretations of Quantum Theory
- Kant Quantum Theory
- Many Worlds Interpretation
- Ontological Models
- Pragmatist Interpretation of Quantum Theory
- QBism
- Quantum Bayesianism
- Quantum Theory and Internal Realism
- Quantum Theory and Abduction
- Scientific Realism and Quantum Theory
- Symmetries in Quantum Theory
About this book
This book explores the prospects of rivaling ontological and epistemic interpretations of quantum mechanics (QM). It concludes with a suggestion for how to interpret QM from an epistemological point of view and with a Kantian touch. It thus refines, extends, and combines existing approaches in a similar direction.
The author first looks at current, hotly debated ontological interpretations. These include hidden variables-approaches, Bohmian mechanics, collapse interpretations, and the many worlds interpretation. He demonstrates why none of these ontological interpretations can claim to be the clear winner amongst its rivals. Next, coverage explores the possibility of interpreting QM in terms of knowledge but without the assumption of hidden variables. It examines QBism as well as Healey’s pragmatist view. The author finds both interpretations or programs appealing, but still wanting in certain respects. As a result, he then goes on to advance a genuine proposal as to how tointerpret QM from the perspective of an internal realism in the sense of Putnam and Kant.
The book also includes two philosophical interludes. One details the notions of probability and realism. The other highlights the connections between the notions of locality, causality, and reality in the context of violations of Bell-type inequalities.
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Florian J. Boge studied Philosophy and Linguistics at the University of Düsseldorf, and Philosophy and Physics at the University of Cologne. He graduated from his study in Düsseldorf with an M.A. in 2012, subsequently pursuing a Dr. Phil. in Philosophy and a B.Sc. in Physics in Cologne. He also visited the University of Oxford as a recognized student and guest researcher in 2016. Currently his employment is with the international and interdisciplinary research unit The Epistemology of the Large Hadron Collider, as a postdoctoral researcher. His previous academic positions range from assistant to teaching and research jobs.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Quantum Mechanics Between Ontology and Epistemology
Authors: Florian J. Boge
Series Title: European Studies in Philosophy of Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95765-4
Publisher: Springer Cham
eBook Packages: Religion and Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-95764-7Published: 08 November 2018
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-07093-9Published: 31 January 2019
eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-95765-4Published: 24 October 2018
Series ISSN: 2365-4228
Series E-ISSN: 2365-4236
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XXI, 432
Number of Illustrations: 549 b/w illustrations
Topics: Philosophy of Science, History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics, Epistemology