How Quantum Theory Helps Us Explain
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8399498 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Richard A Healey, Richard Healey (0000-0001-6872-4900, University of Arizona, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2015 |
| Volume | 66 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 1-43 |
| Publication date | 2015-03-01 |
| 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/axt031 |
| OpenAlex | W2055018026 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 23 |
I offer an account of how the quantum theory we have helps us explain so much. The account depends on a pragmatist interpretation of the theory: this takes a quantum state to serve as a source of sound advice to physically situated agents on the content and appropriate degree of belief about matters concerning which they are currently inevitably ignorant. The general account of how to use quantum states and probabilities to explain otherwise puzzling regularities is then illustrated by showing how we can explain single-particle interference phenomena, the stability of matter, and interference of Bose–Einstein condensates. Finally, I note some open problems and relate this account to alternative approaches to explanation that emphasize the importance of causation, of unification, and of structure. 1 Introduction 2 Two Requirements on Explanations in Physics 3 What We Can use Quantum Theory to Explain 4 The Function of Quantum States and Born Probabilities 5 How These Functions Contribute to the Explanatory Task 6 Example One: Single-Particle Interference 7 Example Two: Explanation of the Stability of Matter 8 Example Three: Bose Condensation 9 Conclusion
Causation · Epistemology · Interpretation (philosophy) · Interpretations of quantum mechanics · Physics · Quantum · Quantum dynamics · Quantum entanglement · Quantum mechanics · Quantum nonlocality · Quantum process · Situated · Theoretical physics · Unification · Computer Science · History and advancements in chemistry · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Quantum Mechanics and Applications
How the Laws of Physics Lie
Physical Causation
Making Things Happen
Depth
The Emergent Multiverse
Quantum equilibrium and the origin of absolute uncertainty
Unified dynamics for microscopic and macroscopic systems
Aspects of Scientific Explanation
The fate of ‘particles’ in quantum field theories with interactions
The Essential Tension
Causality Without Counterfactuals
Naturalism without Mirrors
Are Rindler Quanta Real? Inequivalent Particle Concepts in Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Theory
Articulating Reasons
| Unique citing works | 6 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,46 |
| Citation span | 2013 - 2023 (11) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 5 |