The Role of the Future in Quantum Theory
Abstract
Interpretation problems are eliminated from quantum theory by picturing a quantum history as having been sampled from a probability distribution over the set of histories which are permitted by all relevant boundary conditions. In laboratory physics, the final measurement plays a crucial role in defining the set of allowed histories by constraining the final state to be an eigenstate of the measurement operator. For the universe itself, a final boundary condition can play a similar role. Together with the special big bang initial state, the final constraint may ensure that the universe admits a classical description in the asymptotic future. Acknowledging the role of a future constraint dispels the mysteries of quantum theory without any amendment to the theory itself.
Cite
@article{arxiv.gr-qc/9404022,
title = {The Role of the Future in Quantum Theory},
author = {Paul Sommers},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:gr-qc/9404022},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
16 pages, LaTeX