Is it possible to approach quantum theory in a 'therapeutic' vein that sees its foundational problems as arising from mistaken conceptual presuppositions? The book explores the prospects for this project and, in doing so, discusses such fascinating issues as the nature of quantum states, explanation in quantum theory, and 'quantum non-locality'.

Simon Friederich's Therapeutic Approach to quantum theory (QT) sheds new light on the status of the quantum state. The book not only provides interesting perspectives for the cognoscenti but is also written with sufficient care and free of unnecessary technicalities so as to be accessible and worth reading for the physical layman interested in the foundations of QT. anyone interested in the foundational problems of QT should feel encouraged to investigate Friederich's book himself, without question. (Florian Boge, Erkenntnis, Vol. 82, 2017)

Autorentext

Simon Friederich studied physics and philosophy in Göttingen and Lausanne and obtained a PhD in physics at the University of Heidelberg. He has held academic appointments in Wuppertal and Göttingen, Germany, and published articles in various leading philosophy journals. His research interests include the philosophy of physics, the philosophy of mathematics, epistemology and philosophy of mind.

Inhalt
PrefaceSeries Editor's Foreword PART I: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1. Introduction 2. Sketch of the Formalism 3. Interpretations as Solutions to the Measurement Problem PART II: THE RULE PERSPECTIVE 4. Motivating a Therapeutic Approach 5. In Search of a Viable Epistemic Account 6. Quantum Probabilities: What Are They? PART III: OBJECTIONS 7. Copenhagen Reloaded? 8. The Charge of Anthropocentricism 9. Reduction and Explanation PART IV: NON-LOCALITY, QUANTUM FIELD THEORY, AND REALITY 10. Non-locality Reconsidered 11. A Look at Quantum Field Theory 12. Quantum Theory and 'Reality' Appendix A. Sketch of Bell's Theorem B. The Kochen-Specker Theorem in a Nutshell C. The Pusey-Barrett-Rudolph (PBR) TheoremA Short Introduction Notes Bibliography