The Meaning of Elements of Reality and Quantum Counterfactuals: Reply to Kastner

Foundations of Physics 29 (6):865-876 (1999)
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Abstract

This paper is an answer to the preceding paper by Kastner, in which she continued the criticism of the counterfactual usage of the Aharonov-Bergman-Lebowitz rule in the framework of the time-symmetrized quantum theory, in particular, by analyzing the three-box “paradox.” It is argued that the criticism is not sound. Paradoxical features of the three-box example are discussed. It is explained that the elements of reality in the framework of time-symmetrized quantum theory are counterfactual statements, and therefore, even conflicting elements of reality can be associated with a single system. It is shown how such “counterfactual” elements of reality can be useful in the analysis of a physical experiment (the three-box example). The validity of Kastner's application of the consistent histories approach to the time-symmetrized counterfactuals is questioned

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Lev Vaidman
Tel Aviv University

Citations of this work

Weak values and consistent histories in quantum theory.Ruth Kastner - 2004 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 35 (1):57-71.
Shutters, boxes, but no paradoxes: Time symmetry puzzles in quantum theory.Ruth E. Kastner - 2004 - International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 18 (1):89 – 94.

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