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

DOI10.1016/S1355-2198(99)00004-0zbMATH Open1222.81070arXivquant-ph/9806002OpenAlexW1983183874MaRDI QIDQ720363FDOQ720363

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)

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.

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

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Mathematics Subject Classification ID

General and philosophical questions in quantum theory (81P05)

Cited In (7)

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

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