Facts, Values and Quanta
arXiv:quant-ph/0402015 · doi:10.1007/s10701-004-2014-6
Abstract
Quantum mechanics is a fundamentally probabilistic theory (at least so far as the empirical predictions are concerned). It follows that, if one wants to properly understand quantum mechanics, it is essential to clearly understand the meaning of probability statements. The interpretation of probability has excited nearly as much philosophical controversy as the interpretation of quantum mechanics. 20th century physicists have mostly adopted a frequentist conception. In this paper it is argued that we ought, instead, to adopt a logical or Bayesian conception. The paper includes a comparison of the orthodox and Bayesian theories of statistical inference. It concludes with a few remarks concerning the implications for the concept of physical reality.
arXiv comment30 pages, AMS Latex
References in corpus (4)
Cited by in corpus (8)
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- A Bayesian approach to compatibility, improvement, and pooling of quantum states
- In Praise of Clausius Entropy: Reassessing the Foundations of Boltzmannian Statistical Mechanics
- Everett's Missing Postulate and the Born Rule
- Objective probability and quantum fuzziness