Herausgeber
:
Oxford University Press; Illustrated Edition (15. August 2017)
Sprache
:
Englisch
Gebundene Ausgabe
:
292 Seiten
ISBN-10
:
019871405X
ISBN-13
:
978-0198714057
Abmessungen
:
23.62 x 15.49 x 2.29 cm
Quantum theory launched a revolution in physics. But we have yet to
understand the revolution's significance for philosophy. Richard Healey
opens a path to such understanding. Most studies of the conceptual
foundations of quantum theory first try to interpret the theory - to say
how the world could possibly be the way the theory says it is. But,
though fundamental, quantum theory is enormously successful without
describing the world in its own terms. When properly applied, models of
quantum theory offer good advice on the significance and credibility of
claims about the world expressed in other terms. This first
philosophical lesson of the quantum revolution dissolves the quantum
measurement problem. Pragmatist treatments of probability and causation
show how quantum theory may be used to explain the non-localized
correlations that have been thought to involve "spooky" instantaneous
action at a distance. Given environmental decoherence, a pragmatist
inferentialist approach to content shows when talk of quantum
probabilities is licensed, resolves any residual worries about whether a
quantum measurement has a determinate outcome, and solves a dilemma
about the ontology of a quantum field theory. This approach to meaning
and reference also reveals the nature and limits of objective
description in the light of quantum theory. While these pragmatist
approaches to probability, causation, explanation and content may be
independently motivated by philosophical argument, their successful
application here illustrates their practical importance in helping
philosophers come to terms with the quantum revolution.