Quantum decoherence in a pragmatist view: Resolving the measurement problem

Abstract

This paper aims to show how adoption of a pragmatist interpretation permits a satisfactory resolution of the quantum measurement problem. The classic measurement problem dissolves once one recognizes that it is not the function of the quantum state to describe or represent the behavior of a quantum system. The residual problem of when, and to what, to apply the Born Rule may then be resolved by judicious appeal to decoherence. This can give sense to talk of measurements of photons and other particles even though quantum field theory does not describe particles.

References in corpus (5)

• Free-Space distribution of entanglement and single photons over 144 km
• Reconstruction of non-classical cavity field states with snapshots of their decoherence
• Measuring measurement
• Decoherence of matter waves by thermal emission of radiation
• Theory of decoherence in a matter wave Talbot-Lau interferometer

Cited by in corpus (1)

• Justifying the Classical-Quantum Divide of the Copenhagen Interpretation