Conspiracy Theories of Quantum Mechanics
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8397442 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Peter J Lewis (0009-0000-0005-7400, University of Miami, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2006 |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 359-381 |
| Publication date | 2006-06-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| 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/axl006 |
| OpenAlex | W2024651747 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 16 |
It has long been recognized that a local hidden variable theory of quantum mechanics can in principle be constructed, provided one is willing to countenance pre-measurement correlations between the properties of measured systems and measuring devices. However, this ‘conspiratorial’ approach is typically dismissed out of hand. In this article I examine the justification for dismissing conspiracy theories of quantum mechanics. I consider the existing arguments against such theories, and find them to be less than conclusive. I suggest a more powerful argument against the leading strategy for constructing a conspiracy theory. Finally, I outline two alternative strategies for constructing conspiracy theories, both of which are immune to these arguments, but require one to either modify or reject the common cause principle. 1. Introduction 2. The incompleteness of quantum mechanics 3. Hidden variables 4. Hidden mechanism conspiracy theories 5. Existing arguments against hidden mechanisms 6. A new argument against hidden mechanisms 7. Backwards-causal conspiracy theories 8. Acausal conspiracy theories 9. Conclusion
Argument (complex analysis) · Epistemology · Hidden variable theory · Interpretations of quantum mechanics · Mechanism (biology) · Physics · Quantum · Quantum dynamics · Quantum mechanics · Quantum process · Theoretical physics · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Quantum Information and Cryptography · Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Quantum Mechanics
Unified dynamics for microscopic and macroscopic systems
A Suggested Interpretation of the Quantum Theory in Terms of "Hidden" Variables. I
On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen paradox
"Relative State" Formulation of Quantum Mechanics
The Charybdis of realism
Supererogatory Superluminality
Hidden Locality, Conspiracy and Superluminal Signals
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics through Frame-Dependent Constructions
Does the Bohm Theory Solve the Measurement Problem
The Quantum Mechanics of Minds and Worlds
Quantum Mechanics and Experience
Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics
| Unique citing works | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,22 |
| Citation span | 2008 - 2022 (15) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 4 |