English

Some Worlds of Quantum Theory

Quantum Physics 2007-05-23 v1

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).

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0105052,
  title  = {Some Worlds of Quantum Theory},
  author = {Jeremy Butterfield},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0105052},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

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