On Many-Minds Interpretations of Quantum Theory
Abstract
This paper is a response to some recent discussions of many-minds interpretations in the philosophical literature. After an introduction to the many-minds idea, the complexity of quantum states for macroscopic objects is stressed. Then it is proposed that a characterization of the physical structure of observers is a proper goal for physical theory. It is argued that an observer cannot be defined merely by the instantaneous structure of a brain, but that the history of the brain's functioning must also be taken into account. Next the nature of probability in many-minds interpretations is discussed and it is suggested that only discrete probability models are needed. The paper concludes with brief comments on issues of actuality and identity over time.
Cite
@article{arxiv.quant-ph/9703008,
title = {On Many-Minds Interpretations of Quantum Theory},
author = {Matthew J. Donald},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/9703008},
year = {2008}
}
Comments
16 pages, plain TeX, no macros required. Revised following comments November 1997