Density Matrix Realism
Fuente:
arXiv
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| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2024
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| _version_ | 1866929573005885440 |
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| author | Chen, Eddy Keming |
| author_facet | Chen, Eddy Keming |
| contents | Realism about quantum theory naturally leads to realism about the quantum state of the universe. It leaves open whether it is a pure state represented by a wave function, or an impure (mixed) one represented by a density matrix. I characterize and elaborate on Density Matrix Realism, the thesis that the universal quantum state is objective but can be impure. To clarify the thesis, I compare it with Wave Function Realism, explain the conditions under which they are empirically equivalent, consider two generalizations of Density Matrix Realism, and answer some frequently asked questions. I end by highlighting an implication for scientific realism. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2405_01025 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2024 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Density Matrix Realism Chen, Eddy Keming Quantum Physics Statistical Mechanics History and Philosophy of Physics Realism about quantum theory naturally leads to realism about the quantum state of the universe. It leaves open whether it is a pure state represented by a wave function, or an impure (mixed) one represented by a density matrix. I characterize and elaborate on Density Matrix Realism, the thesis that the universal quantum state is objective but can be impure. To clarify the thesis, I compare it with Wave Function Realism, explain the conditions under which they are empirically equivalent, consider two generalizations of Density Matrix Realism, and answer some frequently asked questions. I end by highlighting an implication for scientific realism. |
| title | Density Matrix Realism |
| topic | Quantum Physics Statistical Mechanics History and Philosophy of Physics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.01025 |