Meir Hemmo
Datos Biográficos
| ID | 1074696 |
|---|---|
| NOMBRE | Meir Hemmo |
| NOMBRES | Meir |
| APELLIDO | Hemmo |
| FIRMA | HEMMO M |
| AFILIACIONES | University of Haifa |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-0752-1269 |
| VERIFICADO | Sí |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 24 |
| TOTAL DE CITAS | 23 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 24 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 0 |
| PRIMER AÑO DE PUBLICACIÓN | 1996 |
| AÑO MÁS RECIENTE DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2026 |
| ÍNDICE H | 3 |
Functionalist theories of consciousness
Is the mind in the brain in contemporary computational neuroscience
Flat Physicalism
This paper describes a version of type identity physicalism, which we call Flat Physicalism , and shows how it meets several objections often raised against identity theories. This identity theory is informed by recent results in the conceptual foundations of physics, and in particular clarifies the notion of ‘physical kinds' in light of a conceptual analysis of the paradigmatic case of reducing thermodynamics to statistical mechanics. We show ho…
The preferred basis problem in the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics
Does Neuroplasticity Support the Hypothesis of Multiple Realizability
It is commonly maintained that neuroplastic mechanisms in the brain provide empirical support for the hypothesis of multiple realizability. We show in various case studies that neuroplasticity stems from preexisting mechanisms and processes inherent in the neural (or biochemical) structure of the brain. We argue that not only does neuroplasticity fail to provide empirical evidence of multiple realization, its inability to do so strengthens the mi…
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Psychological Arrow of Time
Can the second law of thermodynamics explain our mental experience of the direction of time? According to an influential approach, the past hypothesis of universal low entropy (required to explain the temporal directionality of the second law in terms of fundamental physics, which is time-symmetric) also explains how the psychological arrow comes about. We argue that although this approach has many attractive features, it cannot explain the psych…
A challenge to the second law of thermodynamics from cognitive science and vice versa
The physics of implementing logic
The emergence of macroscopic regularity
The primacy of geometry
Probability Zero in Bohm’s Theory
We describe two anomalies in Bohm’s quantum theory that shed light on the notion of probability zero in quantum mechanics. In one anomaly the preferred reference frame may be discovered
Szilard's Perpetuum Mobile
In a previous article, we have demonstrated by a general phase space argument that a Maxwellian Demon is compatible with statistical mechanics. In this article, we show how this idea can be put to work in the prevalent model of the Demon, namely, a particle-in-a-box, used, for example, by Szilard and Bennett. In the literature, this model is used in order to show that a Demon is incompatible with statistical mechanics, either classical or quantum…
Introduction to the Philosophy of Statistical Mechanics
The arrow of time is a familiar phenomenon we all know from our experience: we remember the past but not the future and control the future but not the past. However, it takes an effort to keep records of the past, and to affect the future. For example, it would take an immense effort to unmix coffee and milk, although we easily mix them. Such time directed phenomena are subsumed under the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This law characterizes our e…
Quantum probability and many worlds
Von Neumann's Entropy Does Not Correspond to Thermodynamic Entropy
Von Neumann argued by means of a thought experiment involving measurements of spin observables that the quantum mechanical quantity $S_{VN}=-k\mathrm{Tr}\,(\rho \mathrm{log}\,\rho) $ is conceptually equivalent to thermodynamic entropy. We analyze Von Neumann's thought experiment and show that his argument fails
Quantum decoherence and the approach to equilibrium (II)
Can Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics Be Reconciled with Relativity
Modal interpretations are hidden-variable, no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics that were designed to solve the measurement problem and reconcile this theory with relativity. Yet, as no-go theorems by Dickson and Clifton (1998), Arntzenius (1998) and Myrvold (2002) demonstrate, current modal interpretations are incompatible with relativity. In the mainstream modal interpretations, properties of composite systems are generally unrelate…
Remarks on the Direction of Time in Quantum Mechanics
I argue that in the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics time has no fundamental direction. I further discuss a way to recover thermodynamics in this interpretation using decoherence theory (Zurek and Paz 1994). Albert's proposal to recover thermodynamics from the collapse theory of Ghirardi et al. (1986) is also considered
Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium
We discuss a recent proposal by Albert (1994a; 1994b; 2000, ch. 7) to recover thermodynamics on a purely dynamical basis, using the quantum theory of the collapse of the wave function by Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber (1986). We propose an alternative way to explain thermodynamics within no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics. Our approach relies on the standard quantum mechanical models of environmental decoherence of open systems (e.g., …
Probability and Nonlocality in Many Minds Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
We argue that certain types of many minds (and many worlds) interpretations of quantum mechanics, e.g. Lockwood ([1996a]), Deutsch ([1985]) do not provide a coherent interpretation of the quantum mechanical probabilistic algorithm. By contrast, in Albert and Loewer's ([1988]) version of the many minds interpretation, there is a coherent interpretation of the quantum mechanical probabilities. We consider Albert and Loewer's probability interpretat…
The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds
Can We Explain Thermodynamics By Quantum Decoherence
Modal interpretations, decoherence and measurements
Possible Worlds in the Modal Interpretation
An outline for a modal interpretation in terms of possible worlds is presented. The so-called Schmidt histories are taken to correspond to the physically possible worlds. The decoherence function defined in the histories formulation of quantum theory is taken to prescribe a non-classical probability measure over the set of the possible worlds. This is shown to yield dynamics in the form of transition probabilities for occurrent events in each wor…
The emergence of macroscopic regularity
Szilard's Perpetuum Mobile
In a previous article, we have demonstrated by a general phase space argument that a Maxwellian Demon is compatible with statistical mechanics. In this article, we show how this idea can be put to work in the prevalent model of the Demon, namely, a particle-in-a-box, used, for example, by Szilard and Bennett. In the literature, this model is used in order to show that a Demon is incompatible with statistical mechanics, either classical or quantum…
Von Neumann's Entropy Does Not Correspond to Thermodynamic Entropy
Von Neumann argued by means of a thought experiment involving measurements of spin observables that the quantum mechanical quantity $S_{VN}=-k\mathrm{Tr}\,(\rho \mathrm{log}\,\rho) $ is conceptually equivalent to thermodynamic entropy. We analyze Von Neumann's thought experiment and show that his argument fails
A challenge to the second law of thermodynamics from cognitive science and vice versa
Can Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics Be Reconciled with Relativity
Modal interpretations are hidden-variable, no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics that were designed to solve the measurement problem and reconcile this theory with relativity. Yet, as no-go theorems by Dickson and Clifton (1998), Arntzenius (1998) and Myrvold (2002) demonstrate, current modal interpretations are incompatible with relativity. In the mainstream modal interpretations, properties of composite systems are generally unrelate…
Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium
We discuss a recent proposal by Albert (1994a; 1994b; 2000, ch. 7) to recover thermodynamics on a purely dynamical basis, using the quantum theory of the collapse of the wave function by Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber (1986). We propose an alternative way to explain thermodynamics within no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics. Our approach relies on the standard quantum mechanical models of environmental decoherence of open systems (e.g., …
Probability and Nonlocality in Many Minds Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
We argue that certain types of many minds (and many worlds) interpretations of quantum mechanics, e.g. Lockwood ([1996a]), Deutsch ([1985]) do not provide a coherent interpretation of the quantum mechanical probabilistic algorithm. By contrast, in Albert and Loewer's ([1988]) version of the many minds interpretation, there is a coherent interpretation of the quantum mechanical probabilities. We consider Albert and Loewer's probability interpretat…
The preferred basis problem in the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics
Does Neuroplasticity Support the Hypothesis of Multiple Realizability
It is commonly maintained that neuroplastic mechanisms in the brain provide empirical support for the hypothesis of multiple realizability. We show in various case studies that neuroplasticity stems from preexisting mechanisms and processes inherent in the neural (or biochemical) structure of the brain. We argue that not only does neuroplasticity fail to provide empirical evidence of multiple realization, its inability to do so strengthens the mi…
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Psychological Arrow of Time
Can the second law of thermodynamics explain our mental experience of the direction of time? According to an influential approach, the past hypothesis of universal low entropy (required to explain the temporal directionality of the second law in terms of fundamental physics, which is time-symmetric) also explains how the psychological arrow comes about. We argue that although this approach has many attractive features, it cannot explain the psych…
Modal interpretations, decoherence and measurements
Possible Worlds in the Modal Interpretation
An outline for a modal interpretation in terms of possible worlds is presented. The so-called Schmidt histories are taken to correspond to the physically possible worlds. The decoherence function defined in the histories formulation of quantum theory is taken to prescribe a non-classical probability measure over the set of the possible worlds. This is shown to yield dynamics in the form of transition probabilities for occurrent events in each wor…
Can We Explain Thermodynamics By Quantum Decoherence
The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds
Remarks on the Direction of Time in Quantum Mechanics
I argue that in the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics time has no fundamental direction. I further discuss a way to recover thermodynamics in this interpretation using decoherence theory (Zurek and Paz 1994). Albert's proposal to recover thermodynamics from the collapse theory of Ghirardi et al. (1986) is also considered
Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium
We discuss a recent proposal by Albert (1994a; 1994b; 2000, ch. 7) to recover thermodynamics on a purely dynamical basis, using the quantum theory of the collapse of the wave function by Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber (1986). We propose an alternative way to explain thermodynamics within no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics. Our approach relies on the standard quantum mechanical models of environmental decoherence of open systems (e.g., …
Probability and Nonlocality in Many Minds Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
We argue that certain types of many minds (and many worlds) interpretations of quantum mechanics, e.g. Lockwood ([1996a]), Deutsch ([1985]) do not provide a coherent interpretation of the quantum mechanical probabilistic algorithm. By contrast, in Albert and Loewer's ([1988]) version of the many minds interpretation, there is a coherent interpretation of the quantum mechanical probabilities. We consider Albert and Loewer's probability interpretat…
Quantum decoherence and the approach to equilibrium (II)
Can Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics Be Reconciled with Relativity
Modal interpretations are hidden-variable, no-collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics that were designed to solve the measurement problem and reconcile this theory with relativity. Yet, as no-go theorems by Dickson and Clifton (1998), Arntzenius (1998) and Myrvold (2002) demonstrate, current modal interpretations are incompatible with relativity. In the mainstream modal interpretations, properties of composite systems are generally unrelate…
Von Neumann's Entropy Does Not Correspond to Thermodynamic Entropy
Von Neumann argued by means of a thought experiment involving measurements of spin observables that the quantum mechanical quantity $S_{VN}=-k\mathrm{Tr}\,(\rho \mathrm{log}\,\rho) $ is conceptually equivalent to thermodynamic entropy. We analyze Von Neumann's thought experiment and show that his argument fails
Quantum probability and many worlds
Szilard's Perpetuum Mobile
In a previous article, we have demonstrated by a general phase space argument that a Maxwellian Demon is compatible with statistical mechanics. In this article, we show how this idea can be put to work in the prevalent model of the Demon, namely, a particle-in-a-box, used, for example, by Szilard and Bennett. In the literature, this model is used in order to show that a Demon is incompatible with statistical mechanics, either classical or quantum…
Introduction to the Philosophy of Statistical Mechanics
The arrow of time is a familiar phenomenon we all know from our experience: we remember the past but not the future and control the future but not the past. However, it takes an effort to keep records of the past, and to affect the future. For example, it would take an immense effort to unmix coffee and milk, although we easily mix them. Such time directed phenomena are subsumed under the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This law characterizes our e…
The primacy of geometry
Probability Zero in Bohm’s Theory
We describe two anomalies in Bohm’s quantum theory that shed light on the notion of probability zero in quantum mechanics. In one anomaly the preferred reference frame may be discovered
The emergence of macroscopic regularity
The physics of implementing logic
A challenge to the second law of thermodynamics from cognitive science and vice versa
Flat Physicalism
This paper describes a version of type identity physicalism, which we call Flat Physicalism , and shows how it meets several objections often raised against identity theories. This identity theory is informed by recent results in the conceptual foundations of physics, and in particular clarifies the notion of ‘physical kinds' in light of a conceptual analysis of the paradigmatic case of reducing thermodynamics to statistical mechanics. We show ho…
The preferred basis problem in the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics
Does Neuroplasticity Support the Hypothesis of Multiple Realizability
It is commonly maintained that neuroplastic mechanisms in the brain provide empirical support for the hypothesis of multiple realizability. We show in various case studies that neuroplasticity stems from preexisting mechanisms and processes inherent in the neural (or biochemical) structure of the brain. We argue that not only does neuroplasticity fail to provide empirical evidence of multiple realization, its inability to do so strengthens the mi…
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Psychological Arrow of Time
Can the second law of thermodynamics explain our mental experience of the direction of time? According to an influential approach, the past hypothesis of universal low entropy (required to explain the temporal directionality of the second law in terms of fundamental physics, which is time-symmetric) also explains how the psychological arrow comes about. We argue that although this approach has many attractive features, it cannot explain the psych…
Is the mind in the brain in contemporary computational neuroscience
Functionalist theories of consciousness
Physics (22 obras) · Quantum Mechanics and Applications (21 obras) · Quantum mechanics (20 obras) · Theoretical physics (19 obras) · Philosophy (18 obras) · Epistemology (14 obras) · Quantum (14 obras) · Mathematics (13 obras) · Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (12 obras) · Statistical physics (11 obras)