QubitLogic
arXiv

Does Probability Require a Single History?

The paper addresses a foundational question in quantum mechanics that is crucial for understanding how predictions are made in a universe where multiple outcomes can coexist.

A collapse law assigns the same probabilities to possible global outcomes.

Why this matters

The paper addresses a foundational question in quantum mechanics that is crucial for understanding how predictions are made in a universe where multiple outcomes can coexist. Clarifying the role of probability helps in translating quantum theory predictions into phenomena we can empirically observe.

What they actually achieved

The paper defends the concept of using the normalized Born measure as an objective probability over an observer's future continuations in Everettian quantum mechanics. It also compares this approach with collapse law theories, showing how they result in the same predictions despite having different ontologies.

What they did not achieve

The paper does not derive probabilities directly from the underlying ontology of Everettian quantum mechanics. Additionally, it does not solve the debate on the axiomatic success or failure in defining probabilities in such a framework.

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