GRW as an ontology of dispositions

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Version: Final published version
Serval ID
serval:BIB_F3294451FD80
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
GRW as an ontology of dispositions
Journal
Studies in History and Philosphy of Modern Physics
Author(s)
Esfeld M, Dorato M
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2010
Volume
41
Pages
41-49
Language
english
Abstract
The paper argues that the formulation of quantum mechanics proposed by Ghirardi, Rimini and Weber (GRW) is a serious candidate for being a fundamental physical theory and explores its ontological commitments from this perspective. In particular, we propose to conceive of spatial superpositions of non-massless microsystems as dispositions or powers, more precisely propensities, to generate spontaneous localizations. We set out five reasons for this view, namely that (1) it provides for a clear sense in which quantum systems in entangled states possess properties even in the absence of definite values; (2) it vindicates objective, single-case probabilities; (3) it yields a clear transition from quantum to classical properties; (4) it enables to draw a clear distinction between purely mathematical and physical structures, and (5) it grounds the arrow of time in the time-irreversible manifestation of the propensities to localize.
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11/04/2011 14:09
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20/08/2019 16:20
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