Physics and Causation

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_B94A1CE1028E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Physics and Causation
Journal
Foundations of Physics
Author(s)
Esfeld Michael
ISSN
0015-9018
1572-9516
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2010
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
40
Number
9-10
Pages
1597-1610
Language
english
Notes
Special issue in honour of the 80th Birthday of Peter Mittelstaedt
Abstract
The paper makes a case for there being causation in the form of causal properties or causal structures in the domain of fundamental physics. That case is built in the first place on an interpretation of quantum theory in terms of state reductions so that there really are both entangled states and classical properties, GRW being the most elaborate physical proposal for such an interpretation. I then argue that the interpretation that goes back to Everett can also be read in a causal manner, the splitting of the world being conceivable as a causal process. Finally, I mention that the way in which general relativity theory conceives the metrical field opens up the way for a causal conception of the metrical properties as well.
Keywords
causal properties, classical properties, direction of time, dispositions, entanglement, Everett, GRW, measurement problem, metaphysics of science, metrical field, physical structures, propensities, quantum mechanics, spontaneous localizations, state reductions
Open Access
Yes
Create date
06/04/2011 15:48
Last modification date
14/02/2022 7:56
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