TY - CHAP
T1 - Pitowsky’s Epistemic Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics and the PBR Theorem
AU - Ben-Menahem, Yemima
N1 - This paper draws on an earlier paper on the PBR theorem (Ben-Menahem 2017).
PY - 2020
Y1 - 2020
N2 - In his work on the foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Itamar Pitowsky set forth an epistemic interpretation of quantum state functions. Shortly after his untimely death, Pusey, Barrett and Rudolph published a theorem—now known as the PBR theorem—that purports to rule out epistemic interpretations of quantum states and render their realist interpretations mandatory. If one accepts this conclusion, the theorem is fatal to Pitowsky’s interpretation. The aim of this paper is to cast doubt on this verdict and show that Pitowsky’s position is actually unaffected by the PBR theorem. Had it been a form of instrumentalism, the defense of Pitowsky’s view would have been trivial, for according to its authors, the PBR theorem does not apply to instrumentalist readings of quantum mechanics. I argue, however, that Pitowsky’s position differs significantly from instrumentalism, and yet, remains viable in the face of the PBR theorem.
AB - In his work on the foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Itamar Pitowsky set forth an epistemic interpretation of quantum state functions. Shortly after his untimely death, Pusey, Barrett and Rudolph published a theorem—now known as the PBR theorem—that purports to rule out epistemic interpretations of quantum states and render their realist interpretations mandatory. If one accepts this conclusion, the theorem is fatal to Pitowsky’s interpretation. The aim of this paper is to cast doubt on this verdict and show that Pitowsky’s position is actually unaffected by the PBR theorem. Had it been a form of instrumentalism, the defense of Pitowsky’s view would have been trivial, for according to its authors, the PBR theorem does not apply to instrumentalist readings of quantum mechanics. I argue, however, that Pitowsky’s position differs significantly from instrumentalism, and yet, remains viable in the face of the PBR theorem.
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-030-34316-3_5
DO - 10.1007/978-3-030-34316-3_5
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SN - 2524-4248
SN - 2524-4256
SN - 9783030343156
SN - 9783030343163
T3 - Jerusalem Studies in Philosophy and History of Science
SP - 101-124.
BT - Quantum, Probability, Logic
A2 - Hemmo, Meir
A2 - Shenker, Orly
PB - Springer International Publishing AG
CY - Cham
ER -