Can the decoherence approach help to solve the measurement problem?

Synthese 113 (3):323-346 (1997)
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Abstract

This work examines whether the environmentally-induced decoherence approach in quantum mechanics brings us any closer to solving the measurement problem, and whether it contributes to the elimination of subjectivism in quantum theory. A distinction is made between ,collapse, and ,decoherence,, so that an explanation for decoherence does not imply an explanation for collapse. After an overview of the measurement problem and of the open-systems paradigm, we argue that taking a partial trace is equivalent to applying the projection postulate. A criticism of Zurek's decoherence approach to measurements is also made, based on the restriction that he must impose on the interaction between apparatus and environment. We then analyze the element of subjectivity involved in establishing the boundary between system and environment, and criticize the incorporation of Everett's branching of memory records into the decoherence research program. Sticking to this program, we end by sketching a proposal for ‘environmentally-induced collapse’.

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2009-01-28

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Osvaldo Pessoa Junior
University of São Paulo

Citations of this work

Self-induced decoherence: a new approach.Mario Castagnino & Olimpia Lombardi - 2004 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 35 (1):73-107.
Quantum leaps in philosophy of mind.David Bourget - 2004 - Journal of Consciousness Studies 11 (12):17--42.
Decoherence and the Copenhagen cut.Scott Tanona - 2013 - Synthese 190 (16):3625-3649.

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