Can Quantum Theory be Applied to the Universe as a Whole?

Foundations of Physics 40 (9-10):1410-1418 (2010)
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Abstract

I argue that quantum theory can, and in fact must, be applied to the Universe as a whole. After a general introduction, I discuss two concepts that are essential for my chain of arguments: the universality of quantum theory and the emergence of classical behaviors by decoherence. A further motivation is given by the open problem of quantum gravity. I then present the main ingredients of quantum cosmology and discuss their relevance for the interpretation of quantum theory. I end with some brief epistemological remarks.

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Citations of this work

Foundations of quantum gravity: The role of principles grounded in empirical reality.Marc Holman - 2014 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 46 (2):142-153.

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References found in this work

On the interpretation of measurement in quantum theory.H. D. Zeh - 1970 - Foundations of Physics 1 (1):69-76.
Philosophy of science: a very short introduction.Samir Okasha - 2002 - New York: Oxford University Press.
Quantum Gravity.Claus Kiefer - 2004 - Oxford University Press UK.
Philosophische Probleme der modernen Physik.Peter Mittelstaedt - 1963 - Mannheim,: Bibliographisches Institut.

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