On the Debate Concerning the Proper Characterisation of Quantum Dynamical Evolution
Abstract
There has been a long-standing and sometimes passionate debate between physicists over whether a dynamical framework for quantum systems should incorporate not completely positive (NCP) maps in addition to completely positive (CP) maps. Despite the reasonableness of the arguments for complete positivity, we argue that NCP maps should be allowed, with a qualification: these should be understood, not as reflecting 'not completely positive' evolution, but as linear extensions, to a system's entire state space, of CP maps that are only partially defined. Beyond the domain of definition of a partial-CP map, we argue, much may be permitted.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1206.3794,
title = {On the Debate Concerning the Proper Characterisation of Quantum Dynamical Evolution},
author = {Michael E. Cuffaro and Wayne C. Myrvold},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1206.3794},
year = {2014}
}
Comments
To be presented at the 2012 biennial meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association (PSA), San Diego, California