Can Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics Be Reconciled with Relativity?

Philosophy of Science 72 (5):789-801 (2005)
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Abstract

Modal interpretations are hidden-variable, no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics that were designed to solve the measurement problem and reconcile this theory with relativity. Yet, as no-go theorems by Dickson and Clifton, Arntzenius and Myrvold demonstrate, current modal interpretations are incompatible with relativity. In the mainstream modal interpretations, properties of composite systems are generally unrelated to the properties of their subsystems. We propose holistic and relational interpretations of properties to explain this failure of property composition. Based on these interpretations, we consider strategies for circumventing Myrvold's theorem, which are also effective against the other two theorems.

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Author Profiles

Meir Hemmo
University of Haifa
Joseph Berkovitz
University of Toronto, St. George

Citations of this work

Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics.Olimpia Lombardi & Dennis Dieks - forthcoming - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Quantum decoherence and the approach to equilibrium.Meir Hemmo & Orly Shenker - 2003 - Philosophy of Science 70 (2):330-358.
Relativistic Invariance and Modal Interpretations.John Earman & Laura Ruetsche - 2005 - Philosophy of Science 72 (4):557-583.
Quantum decoherence and the approach to equilibrium.Meir Hemmo & Orly Shenker - 2005 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 36 (4):626-648.
Chasing Chimeras.Wayne C. Myrvold - 2009 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 60 (3):635-646.

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