The View from a Wigner Bubble

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Accepted Manuscript (AM)

Author(s)
Cavalcanti, Eric G
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2021
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

In a recent no-go theorem [Bong et al., Nature Physics (2020)], we proved that the predictions of unitary quantum mechanics for an extended Wigner’s friend scenario are incompatible with any theory satisfying three metaphysical assumptions, the conjunction of which we call “Local Friendliness”: Absoluteness of Observed Events, Locality and No-Superdeterminism. In this paper (based on an invited talk for the QBism jubilee at the 2019 Växjö conference) I discuss the implications of this theorem for QBism, as seen from the point of view of experimental metaphysics. I argue that the key distinction between QBism and realist interpretations of quantum mechanics is best understood in terms of their adherence to different theories of truth: the pragmatist versus the correspondence theories. I argue that a productive pathway to resolve the measurement problem within a pragmatist view involves taking seriously the perspective of quantum betting agents, even those in what I call a “Wigner bubble”. The notion of reality afforded by QBism, I propose, will correspond to the invariant elements of any theory that has pragmatic value to all rational agents—that is, the elements that are invariant upon changes of agent perspectives. The classical notion of ‘event’ is not among those invariants, even when those events are observed by some agent. Neither are quantum states. Nevertheless, I argue that far from solipsism, a personalist view of quantum states is an expression of its precise opposite: Copernicanism.

Journal Title

Foundations of Physics

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

51

Issue

2

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)

ARC

Grant identifier(s)

FT180100317

Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2021 Springer Netherlands. This is an electronic version of an article published in Foundations of Physics, 2021, 51 (2), pp. 39. Foundations of Physics is available online at: http://link.springer.com/ with the open URL of your article.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Foundations of quantum mechanics

History and philosophy of science

Mathematical sciences

Philosophy and religious studies

Physical sciences

Science & Technology

Physics, Multidisciplinary

Physics

quant-ph

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Cavalcanti, EG, The View from a Wigner Bubble, Foundations of Physics, 2021, 51 (2), pp. 39

Collections