Time's Direction and Orthodox Quantum Mechanics: Time Symmetry and Measurement
Details
Download: JGPS Accepted 07.2021.pdf (394.73 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: author
License: Not specified
State: Public
Version: author
License: Not specified
Serval ID
serval:BIB_B8590B57CD2A
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Time's Direction and Orthodox Quantum Mechanics: Time Symmetry and Measurement
Journal
Journal for General Philosophy of Science
ISSN
0925-4560 (print)
1572-8587 (electronic)
1572-8587 (electronic)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
26/08/2022
Language
english
Abstract
It has been argued that measurement-induced collapses in Orthodox Quantum Mechanics generates an intrinsic (or built-in) quantum arrow of time. In this paper, I critically assess this proposal. I begin by distinguishing between an intrinsic and non- intrinsic arrow of time. After presenting the proposal of a collapse-based arrow of time in some detail, I argue, first, that any quantum arrow of time in Orthodox Quantum Mechanics is non-intrinsic since it depends on external information about the measurement context, and second, that it cannot be global, but just local. I complement these arguments by assessing some criticisms and considerations about the implementation of time reversal in contexts wherein measurement-induced collapses work. I conclude that the quantum arrow of time delivered by Orthodox Quantum Mechanics is much weaker than usually thought.
Keywords
Arrow of time, Quantum Mechanics, Collapse, Measurement
Create date
25/10/2022 13:49
Last modification date
21/11/2022 8:09