Time-symmetrised quantum theory, counterfactuals and `advanced action'

DOI10.1016/S1355-2198(99)00004-0MaRDI QIDQ720363zbMATH OpenOpenAlexFDO

Authors Ruth E. Kastner

Publication date 14 October 2011

Published in Studies in History and Philosophy of Science. Part B. Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics (Search for Journal in Brave)

Full work available at URL https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/9806002

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

General and philosophical questions in quantum theory (81P05)

Abstract: Recent authors have raised objections to the counterfactual interpretation of the Aharonov-Bergmann-Lebowitz (ABL) rule of time symmetrized quantum theory (TSQT). I distinguish between two different readings of the ABL rule, counterfactual and non-counterfactual, and confirm that TSQT advocate L. Vaidman is employing the counterfactual reading to which these authors object. Vaidman has responded to the objections by proposing a new kind of time-symmetrized counterfactual, which he has defined in two different ways. It is argued that neither definition succeeds in overcoming the objections, except in a special case previously noted by Cohen and Hiley. In addition, a connection is made between TSQT and Price's concept of `advanced action', which further supports the special case discussed.

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Cited in

(7)

• The transactional interpretation, counterfactuals, and weak values in quantum theory
• On delayed choice and contingent absorber experiments
• QUANTUM MECHANICAL OBSERVERS AND TIME REPARAMETRIZATION SYMMETRY
• Weak values and consistent histories in quantum theory
• Why quantum mechanics favors adynamical and acausal interpretations such as relational blockworld over backwardly causal and time-symmetric rivals
• Counterfactual reasoning in time-symmetric quantum mechanics
• Reality and hermiticity from maximizing overlap in the future-included complex action theory

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