Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe
On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8396244 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Eddy Keming Chen (0000-0001-5144-0952, University of California San Diego, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 72 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 1155-1183 |
| Publication date | 2021-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-0882 • E-ISSN: 1464-3537 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/bjps/axy068 |
| OpenAlex | W2805838936 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 17 |
| References cited | 34 |
In a quantum universe with a strong arrow of time, we postulate a low-entropy boundary condition (the past hypothesis, PH) to account for the temporal asymmetry. In this article, I show that the PH also contains enough information to simplify the quantum ontology and define a natural initial condition. First, I introduce ‘density-matrix realism’, the thesis that the quantum state of the universe is objective and impure. This stands in sharp contrast to wave-function realism, the thesis that the quantum state of the universe is objective and pure. Second, I suggest that the PH is sufficient to determine a natural density matrix, which is simple and unique. This is achieved by what I call the ‘initial projection hypothesis’: the initial density matrix of the universe is the (normalized) projection onto the PH-subspace (in the Hilbert space). Third, because the initial quantum state is unique and simple, we have a strong case for the nomological thesis: the initial quantum state of the universe is on a par with laws of nature. This new package of ideas has several interesting implications, including on the harmony between statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, theoretical unity of the universe and the subsystems, and the alleged conflict between Humean supervenience and quantum entanglement.
Classical mechanics · Density matrix · Interpretations of quantum mechanics · Physics · Quantum · Quantum cosmology · Quantum discord · Quantum dynamics · Quantum entanglement · Quantum gravity · Quantum mechanics · Quantum process · Quantum state · Theoretical physics · Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics · Quantum Mechanics and Applications · Statistical Mechanics and Entropy
A challenge for Super-Humeanism
Fundamental Nomic Vagueness
From time asymmetry to quantum entanglement
Analogue Quantum Simulation
Laws of nature according to some philosophers of science and according to chemists
The Time in Thermal Time
The Metaphysics of Decoherence
Constraints and Selection
The simplicity of physical laws
Interactionist zombies
Are symmetry principles meta-laws
Decoherence, branching, and the Born rule in a mixed-state Everettian multiverse
Causal nonseparability and its implications for spatiotemporal relations
Is the Universe Fundamentally a Density Matrix
In Search of the Holy Grail
Typical Quantum States of the Universe are Observationally Indistinguishable
Realism about the wave function
Time's arrow & Archimedes' point
The Emergent Multiverse
The Emperor's New Mind
Physics and Chance
Quantum equilibrium and the origin of absolute uncertainty
Humean Supervenience
The Metaphysics Within Physics
From time asymmetry to quantum entanglement
Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Science
The “Past Hypothesis”
Quantum physics without quantum philosophy
One world, one beable
David Lewis's Humean Theory of Objective Chance
Against Radical Quantum Ontologies
Measures, Explanations and the Past
Many Worlds and Schrödinger’s First Quantum Theory
Quantum Mechanics on Spacetime I
Predictions and Primitive Ontology in Quantum Foundations
Quantum Humeanism, or
| Unique citing works | 17 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2,43 |
| Citation span | 2019 - 2026 (8) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 14 |