Description
Book SynopsisWhat does realism about the quantum state imply? What follows when quantum theory is applied without restriction, if need be, to the whole universe? These are the questions which an illustrious team of philosophers and physicists debate in this volume. All the contributors are agreed on realism, and on the need, or the aspiration, for a theory that unites micro- and macroworlds, at least in principle. But the further claim argued by some is that if you allow the Schrödinger equation unrestricted application, supposing the quantum state to be something physically real, then this universe is one of countlessly many others, constantly branching in time, all of which are real. The result is the many worlds theory, also known as the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics.The contrary claim sees this picture of many worlds as in no sense inherent in quantum mechanics, even when the latter is allowed unrestricted scope and even given that the quantum state itself is something physically
Trade ReviewThis book provides arguably the most vivid and comprehensive treatment of both state-of-the art developments within and criticism of the Everett interpretation. * Guido Bacciagaluppi, Metascience *
Table of Contents1. WHY MANY WORLDS?; 2. PROBLEMS WITH ONTOLOGY; 3. PROBABILITY IN THE EVERETT INTERPRETATION; 4. CRITICAL REPLIES; 5. ALTERNATIVES TO MANY WORLDS; 6. NOT ONLY MANY WORLDS
