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Everettian quantum mechanics and physical probability: Against the principle of “State Supervenience”.

Authors :
Jansson, Lina
Source :
Studies in History & Philosophy of Modern Physics. Feb2016, Vol. 53, p45-53. 9p.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Everettian quantum mechanics faces the challenge of how to make sense of probability and probabilistic reasoning in a setting where there is typically no unique outcome of measurements. Wallace has built on a proof by Deutsch to argue that a notion of probability can be recovered in the many worlds setting. In particular, Wallace argues that a rational agent has to assign probabilities in accordance with the Born rule. This argument relies on a rationality constraint that Wallace calls state supervenience . I argue that state supervenience is not defensible as a rationality constraint for Everettian agents unless we already invoke probabilistic notions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13552198
Volume :
53
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Studies in History & Philosophy of Modern Physics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
113215275
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsb.2015.12.002