Communities of Dialogue Russian and Ukrainian Émigrés in Modernist Prague

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The measurement problem is your problem too

Ronnie Hermens

pp. 469-478

Abstract

Ontic structural realists draw support for their view from fundamental theories in modern physics. Quantum mechanics is uncontroversially regarded as being amongst those theories. In this paper, I defend the idea that quantum mechanics cannot play this role of a fundamental theory without assuming that a solution for the measurement problem is available. I go on to illustrate that, in the light of possible solutions to the measurement problem, the support for ontic structural realism from quantum mechanics becomes disputable. I also argue that resorting to notions of fundamentality that leave the support for ontic structural realism intact presuppose too much aspects of this metaphysical position for the support from quantum mechanics to be considered significant.

Publication details

Published in:

Dieks Dennis, Hartmann Stephan, Uebel Thomas, Weber Marcel, Galavotti Maria Carla (2014) New directions in the philosophy of science. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 469-478

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-04382-1_32

Full citation:

Hermens Ronnie (2014) „The measurement problem is your problem too“, In: D. Dieks, S. Hartmann, T. Uebel, M. Weber & M. Galavotti (eds.), New directions in the philosophy of science, Dordrecht, Springer, 469–478.