Abstract
Van Fraassen's modal interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics is articulated to support an anti-realist account of quantum theory. However, given the particular form of van Fraassen's anti-realism (constructive empiricism), two problems arise when we try to make it compatible with the modal interpretation: one difficulty concerns the tension between the need for modal operators in the modal interpretation and van Fraassen's skepticism regarding real modality in nature; another addresses the need for the truth predicate in the modal interpretation and van Fraassen's rejection of truth as the aim of science. After examining these two problems, I suggest a formal framework in which they can be accommodated – using da Costa and French's partial structures approach – and indicate a variant of van Fraassen's modal interpretation that does not face these difficulties. Quanta 2014; 3: 1–15.
Highlights
The motivation for the shift in logic is the same underlying the construction of other interpretations of quantumThe quantum-logical approach to the foundations of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics has provided rich insights into our understanding of quantum theory
Of the merits of the quantum-logical ap- In order to develop a new formulation of empiricism, proach, it is important to distinguish quantum logic as van Fraassen articulated a proposal to overcome the maa particular interpretation of quantum mechanics from jor shortcoming of previous empiricist accounts: to acquantum logic as a methodological tool to investigate commodate the theoretical aspects of science within the the theory
The alternative sugterpretative moves typically made by quantum logicians. gested by van Fraassen consists in broadening the limits Admittedly, the distinction is somewhat vague, since the of empiricism, and rejecting the reductionism of former interpretative claims from quantum logic are based on approaches. the use of logical tools
Summary
The quantum-logical approach to the foundations of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics has provided rich insights into our understanding of quantum theory. Remains the basic state to consider, since it gives infor- This is, a thoroughly empiricist point.) In this mation about the system’s evolution In this sense, the way, a commitment to the existence of these entities is importance of the actual values of observables derives not required, since the theory can be interpreted so that from the fact that they provide indications about the dy- what it states about the phenomena are only certain possinamic state. Instead of going into these issues here, I will consider another pressing point: what are the empiricist features
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