Abstract
In 1994, Maudlin proposed an objection to retrocausal approaches to quantum mechanics in general, and to the transactional interpretation (TI) in particular, involving an absorber that changes location depending on the trajectory of the particle. Maudlin considered this objection fatal. However, the TI did not die; rather, a number of responses were developed, some attempting to accommodate Maudlin's example within the existing TI, and others modifying the TI. I argue that none of these responses is fully adequate. The reason, I submit, is that there are two aspects to Maudlin's objection; the more readily soluble aspect has received all the attention, but the more problematic aspect has gone unnoticed. I consider the prospects for developing a successful retrocausal quantum theory in light of this second aspect of the objection.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 442-449 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 2013 |
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Keywords
- Advanced action
- Quantum mechanics
- Retrocausal quantum mechanics
- Time-symmetric quantum mechanics
- Transactional interpretation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
- History
Cite this
Retrocausal quantum mechanics : Maudlin's challenge revisited. / Lewis, Peter.
In: Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, Vol. 44, No. 4, 11.2013, p. 442-449.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Retrocausal quantum mechanics
T2 - Maudlin's challenge revisited
AU - Lewis, Peter
PY - 2013/11
Y1 - 2013/11
N2 - In 1994, Maudlin proposed an objection to retrocausal approaches to quantum mechanics in general, and to the transactional interpretation (TI) in particular, involving an absorber that changes location depending on the trajectory of the particle. Maudlin considered this objection fatal. However, the TI did not die; rather, a number of responses were developed, some attempting to accommodate Maudlin's example within the existing TI, and others modifying the TI. I argue that none of these responses is fully adequate. The reason, I submit, is that there are two aspects to Maudlin's objection; the more readily soluble aspect has received all the attention, but the more problematic aspect has gone unnoticed. I consider the prospects for developing a successful retrocausal quantum theory in light of this second aspect of the objection.
AB - In 1994, Maudlin proposed an objection to retrocausal approaches to quantum mechanics in general, and to the transactional interpretation (TI) in particular, involving an absorber that changes location depending on the trajectory of the particle. Maudlin considered this objection fatal. However, the TI did not die; rather, a number of responses were developed, some attempting to accommodate Maudlin's example within the existing TI, and others modifying the TI. I argue that none of these responses is fully adequate. The reason, I submit, is that there are two aspects to Maudlin's objection; the more readily soluble aspect has received all the attention, but the more problematic aspect has gone unnoticed. I consider the prospects for developing a successful retrocausal quantum theory in light of this second aspect of the objection.
KW - Advanced action
KW - Quantum mechanics
KW - Retrocausal quantum mechanics
KW - Time-symmetric quantum mechanics
KW - Transactional interpretation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84885230872&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84885230872&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.shpsb.2013.09.004
DO - 10.1016/j.shpsb.2013.09.004
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84885230872
VL - 44
SP - 442
EP - 449
JO - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics
JF - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics
SN - 1355-2198
IS - 4
ER -