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Metaphysicians should pay attention to quantum mechanics. Why? Not because it provides definitive answers to many metaphysical questions-the theory itself is remarkably silent on the nature of the physical world, and the various interpretations of the theory on offer present conflicting ontological pictures. Rather, quantum mechanics is essential to the metaphysician because it reshapes standard metaphysical debates and opens up unforeseen new metaphysical
possibilities. Even if quantum mechanics provides few clear answers, there are good reasons to think that any adequate understanding of the quantum world will result in a radical reshaping of our classical
world-view in some way or other. Whatever the world is like at the atomic scale, it is almost certainly not the swarm of particles pushed around by forces that is often presupposed. This book guides readers through the theory of quantum mechanics and its implications for metaphysics in a clear and accessible way. The theory and its various interpretations are presented with a minimum of technicality. The consequences of these interpretations for metaphysical debates concerning realism,
indeterminacy, causation, determinism, holism, and individuality (among other topics) are explored in detail, stressing the novel form that the debates take given the empirical facts in the quantum domain.
While quantum mechanics may not deliver unconditional pronouncements on these issues, the range of possibilities consistent with our knowledge of the empirical world is relatively small-and each possibility is metaphysically revisionary in some way. This book will appeal to researchers, students, and anybody else interested in how science informs our world-view.
Metaphysicians should pay attention to quantum mechanics. Why? Not because it provides definitive answers to many metaphysical questions-the theory itself is remarkably silent on the nature of the physical world, and the various interpretations of the theory on offer present conflicting ontological pictures. Rather, quantum mechanics is essential to the metaphysician because it reshapes standard metaphysical debates and opens up unforeseen new metaphysical
possibilities. Even if quantum mechanics provides few clear answers, there are good reasons to think that any adequate understanding of the quantum world will result in a radical reshaping of our classical
world-view in some way or other. Whatever the world is like at the atomic scale, it is almost certainly not the swarm of particles pushed around by forces that is often presupposed. This book guides readers through the theory of quantum mechanics and its implications for metaphysics in a clear and accessible way. The theory and its various interpretations are presented with a minimum of technicality. The consequences of these interpretations for metaphysical debates concerning realism,
indeterminacy, causation, determinism, holism, and individuality (among other topics) are explored in detail, stressing the novel form that the debates take given the empirical facts in the quantum domain.
While quantum mechanics may not deliver unconditional pronouncements on these issues, the range of possibilities consistent with our knowledge of the empirical world is relatively small-and each possibility is metaphysically revisionary in some way. This book will appeal to researchers, students, and anybody else interested in how science informs our world-view.
Preface
Introduction
1 Phenomena and Theory
1.1 Interference
1.2 Entanglement
1.3 Matrix mechanics
1.4 Wave mechanics
1.5 Interpretation
2 Realism
2.1 Quantum mechanics as incomplete
2.2 No-go theorems
2.3 What do the theorems prove?
2.4 Rescuing realism
2.5 Conclusion
3 Underdetermination
3.1 The measurement problem
3.2 Spontaneous collapse theories
3.3 Hidden variable theories
3.4 The many worlds theory
3.5 Reducing the alternatives
3.6 Conclusion
4 Indeterminacy
4.1 Textbook indeterminacy
4.2 Radical indeterminacy
4.3 Moderate indeterminacy
4.4 Indeterminacy and branching
4.5 Avoiding indeterminacy
4.6 Conclusion
5 Causation
5.1 Locality
5.2 Particle trajectories
5.3 Wave packets
5.4 Collapses as causes
5.5 Conclusion
6 Determinism
6.1 Uncertainty
6.2 Probability
6.3 Immortality
6.4 Free will
6.5 Conclusion
7 Dimensions
7.1 Configuration space
7.2 Three-dimensionality as an illusion
7.3 Adding ontology
7.4 Interpreting the wave function
7.5 Conclusion
8 Parts and Wholes
8.1 The case for holism
8.2 Holism reconsidered
8.3 The case against individuals
8.4 Individuals reconsidered
8.5 Conclusion
9 Six Quantum Worlds
References
Peter Lewis is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami. He studied physics at Oxford University and philosophy at the University of California, Irvine. His main research interest is how to understand quantum mechanics as a description of the physical world. He has published a number of articles in influential journals on various facets of this project.
"Lewis's book is an excellent introduction to this debate...it is
inspiring to those looking for places to apply their philosophical
efforts." -- Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews Online
"Lewis undertakes the difficult task of explicating why
observations and interpretations of quantum phenomena matter for
metaphysical inquiry...Lewis presents the mathematics in play but
not at the expense of accessible explanation of what it
implies...philosophers hoping to broaden their horizons in the
study of contemporary metaphysics will find this book invaluable.
Summing up: Highly recommended." -- CHOICE
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