The Modal Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Download or read book The Modal Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics written by Dennis Dieks and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 1998-10-31 with total page 402 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: According to the modal interpretation, the standard mathematical framework of quantum mechanics specifies the physical magnitudes of a system, which have definite values. Probabilities are assigned to the possible values that these magnitudes may adopt. The interpretation is thus concerned with physical properties rather than with measurement results: it is a realistic interpretation (in the sense of scientific realism). One of the notable achievements of this interpretation is that it dissolves the notorious measurement problem. The papers collected here, together with the introduction and concluding critical appraisal, explain the various forms of the modal interpretation, survey its achievements, and discuss those problems that have yet to be solved. Audience: Philosophers of science, theoretical physicists, and graduate students in these disciplines.