Scientific explanation in quantum theory

Abstract

In this paper (which is, at best, a work in progress), I discuss different modes of scientific explanation identified by philosophers (Hempel, Salmon, Kitcher, Friedman, Hughes) and examine how well or badly they capture the "explanations" of phenomena that modern quantum theory provides. I tentatively conclude that quantum explanation is best seen as "structural explanation", and spell out in detail how this works in the case of explaining vacuum correlations. Problems and prospects for structural explanation in quantum theory are also discussed.

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Citations of this work

How scientific models can explain.Alisa Bokulich - 2011 - Synthese 180 (1):33 - 45.
Can classical structures explain quantum phenomena?Alisa Bokulich - 2008 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 59 (2):217-235.
How Quantum Theory Helps Us Explain.Richard A. Healey - 2015 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 66 (1):1-43.
Relativity theory between structural and dynamical explanations.Mauro Dorato - 2006 - International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 21 (1):95 – 102.

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