Can modal interpretations of quantum mechanics be reconciled with relativity?

Joseph Berkovitz, Meir Hemmo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Modal interpretations are hidden-variable, no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics that were designed to solve the measurement problem and reconcile this theory with relativity. Yet, as no-go theorems by Dickson and Clifton (1998), Arntzenius (1998) and Myrvold (2002) demonstrate, current modal interpretations are incompatible with relativity. In the mainstream modal interpretations, properties of composite systems are generally unrelated to the properties of their subsystems. We propose holistic and relational interpretations of properties to explain this failure of property composition. Based on these interpretations, we consider strategies for circumventing Myrvold's theorem, which are also effective against the other two theorems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)789-801
Number of pages13
JournalPhilosophy of Science
Volume72
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • History
  • Philosophy
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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