Flaky Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics PHIL 2627 Mondays, 2:30–5:00 Small Seminar Room, 1001 CL
This seminar will focus on flaky interpretations of quantum mechanics, especially those deriving from Everett's approach (many worlds, many minds, etc.). Such interpretations promise to allow us to make sense of quantum mechanics on its own terms (without the addition of exogenous dynamical principles), and to allow one to apply quantum mechanics to the universe as a whole. But they are subject to powerful objections, centering on their strange ontologies, difficulties regarding probability, and difficulties in explaining why the world should appear classical to us. We will read some recent and classic articles. This seminar will be a background seminar.	Everett
Requirements All enrolled students must write a term paper (ideally ~20 pages) or four short papers (ideally ~5 pages each). All short papers must be handed in by the last week of class, with at least two handed in by February 27. On Reserve at Hillman J. Barrett, The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds. B. DeWitt and N. Graham (eds.), The Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.
January 10: Introductory Meeting January 23: Formalism. I. T. Maudlin, Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity, pp. 242–267. January 30: Formalism II. & EPR T. Maudlin, Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity, Chapter 1. B. van Fraassen, “The Charybdis of Realism.” February 6: Bohm Starring Brian Hepburn! D. Albert, Quantum Mechanics and Experience, Chapter 7. A. Fine, “On the Interpretation of Bohmian Mechanics.” Supplementary: M. Dickson, Quantum Chance and Non-Locality, Chapter 5. February 13: Everett H. Everett, “‘Relative State’ Formulation of Quantum Mechanics. J. Barrett, The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds, Chapter 3. J. Hartle, “Quantum Mechanics of Individual Systems.” Supplementary: J. Wheeler, “Assessment of Everett’s ‘Relative State’ Formulation of Quantum Theory.” February 20: Many Worlds B. DeWitt, “Quantum Mechanics and Reality.” J. Barrett, The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds, Chapter 6. Supplementary: R. Geroch, “The Everett Interpretation.” February 27: Many Minds D. Albert & B. Loewer, “Two No-Collapse Interpretations of Quantum Theory.” J. Butterfield, “Whither the Minds?” Supplementary: J. Butterfield, “Worlds, Minds, and Quanta.” Supplementary: S. Weinstein, “Undermind.” March 13:. Probability in Many Worlds Interpretations D. Lewis, “How Many Lives Has Schrödinger’s Cat?” D. Papineau, “David Lewis and Schrödinger’s Cat.” Background: B. Loewer, “David Lewis’s Humean Theory of Objective Chance.” March 20: Many Bohms Starring Cian Dorr! C. Dorr, “Finding Ordinary Objects in the World of Quantum Mechanics.” March 27: Decoherence Starring Hilary Greaves! D. Wallace, “Worlds in the Everett Interpretation.” D. Wallace, “Everett and Structure.” H. Greaves, Notes. April 3: Everett and Rationality. I. Starring Hilary Greaves! D. Wallace, “quantum probability and decision theory, revisited,” §§1, 2, 3, 4.1–4.5, 6.1, 6.2, 9. D. Wallace, “Epistemology Quantized,” §§3.2–3.5. H. Greaves, “Understanding Deutsch’s Probability in a Deterministic Multiverse.” Supplementary: D. Deutsch, “Quantum Theory of Probability and Decisions.” April 10: Everett and Rationality. II. Starring David Baker! H. Greaves, “Probability in the Everett Interpretation: A Solution to the Epistemic Problem.” D. Baker, “Measurement Outcomes and Probability in Everettian Quantum Mechanics.” April 17: D. Mermin, “What is Quantum Mechanics Trying to Tell Us?” J. Barrett, The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds, §7.4 and 7.5 Supplementary: C. Rovelli, “Relational Quantum Mechanics.”
Links Stanford Encyclopedia: Vaidman on Many-Worlds Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics. Barrett on Everett's Relative-State Formulation of Quantum Mechanics. Rovelli on Relational Quantum Mechanics. Bacciagaluppi on The Role of Decoherence in Quantum Theory. Goldstein on Bohmian Mechanics. People: Jeff Barrett Jeremy Butterfield Barry Loewer Simon Saunders David Wallace Miscellania: Everett biography Everett FAQ Quantum Simulations Rob Clifton’s Notes on the Mathematics Needed for Quantum Theory Philsci-archive