Everett and structure
Abstract
I address the problem of indefiniteness in quantum mechanics: the problem that the theory, without changes to its formalism, seems to predict that macroscopic quantities have no definite values. The Everett interpretation is often criticised along these lines, and I shall argue that much of this criticism rests on a false dichotomy: that the macroworld must either be written directly into the formalism or be regarded as somehow illusory. By means of analogy with other areas of physics, I develop the view that the macroworld is instead to be understood in terms of certain structures and patterns which emerge from quantum theory (given appropriate dynamics, in particular decoherence). I extend this view to the observer, and in doing so make contact with functionalist theories of mind.
- Publication:
-
Studies in the History and Philosophy of Modern Physics
- Pub Date:
- 2003
- DOI:
- 10.1016/S1355-2198(02)00085-0
- Bibcode:
- 2003SHPMP..34...87W
- Keywords:
-
- Interpretation of quantum mechanics-Everett interpretation;
- Preferred basis;
- Decoherence;
- Emergence