Ψ-epistemic quantum cosmology?

•A prospectus for a Ψ-epistemic approach to quantum cosmology is provided.•Recent work on the problem of time in quantum gravity is drawn upon.•A potential resolution of the cosmological measurement problem is proposed.•The strengths and weaknesses of our proposal are assessed.

This paper provides a prospectus for a new way of thinking about the wavefunction of the universe: a Ψ-epistemic quantum cosmology. We present a proposal that, if successfully implemented, would resolve the cosmological measurement problem and simultaneously allow us to think sensibly about probability and evolution in quantum cosmology. Our analysis draws upon recent work on the problem of time in quantum gravity and causally symmetric local hidden variable theories. Our conclusion weighs the strengths and weaknesses of the approach and points towards paths for future development.