GRW as an ontology of dispositions
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Download: BIB_F3294451FD80.P001.pdf (103.84 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Final published version
State: Public
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
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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Create date
11/04/2011 14:09
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:20