Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1161317 Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 2006 14 Pages PDF
Abstract

Assuming the completeness of quantum mechanics, Mohrhoff has recently presented a new interpretation in which the probabilistic description of quantum mechanics is introduced on the basis of counterfactual statements. The macroscopic positions are assumed to be intrinsic, self-indicating and real, while the properties of the microscopic world are contingent and extrinsic, depending on what happens in the macro-world. Mohrhoff's interpretation emphasizes the objective fuzziness of all quantum phenomena, assigning objective probabilities to the possible outcomes of unperformed measurements. He extends this non-valuedness and fuzziness to the concepts of space and time and introduces a new understanding of spatiotemporal events, the character of physical reality and the meaning of objective probability.Here, we are going to critically assess whether Mohrhoff's interpretation (in spite of its attractions) does offer a more transparent picture of the quantum world than what one could perceive by studying earlier attempts.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Physics and Astronomy Physics and Astronomy (General)
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