Some Worlds of Quantum Theory

Abstract

This paper assesses the Everettian approach to the measurement problem, especially the version of that approach advocated by Simon Saunders and David Wallace. I emphasise conceptual, indeed metaphysical, aspects rather than technical ones; but I include an introductory exposition of decoherence. In particular, I discuss whether -- as these authors maintain -- it is acceptable to have no precise definition of 'branch' (in the Everettian kind of sense).

42 pages, no figures: a pdf file. A version of this paper will appear in a CTNS/Vatican Observatory volume on Quantum Theory and Divine Action, ed. Robert Russell et al

References in corpus (2)

• On the Consistent Histories Approach to Quantum Mechanics
• Against Many-Worlds Interpretations

Cited by in corpus (9)

• Quantum Decoherence
• Between classical and quantum
• Assessing the Montevideo Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
• Many Worlds, the Cluster-state Quantum Computer, and the Problem of the Preferred Basis
• Multiplicity in Everett's interpretation of quantum mechanics
• Neural Unpredictability, the Interpretation of Quantum Theory, and the Mind-Body Problem
• On the Physical Explanation for Quantum Computational Speedup
• Probability in modal interpretations of quantum mechanics
• Many Worlds? Everett, Quantum Theory and Reality