In defence of the self-location uncertainty account of probability in the many-worlds interpretation

Kelvin J. McQueen*, Lev Vaidman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

We defend the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics (MWI) against the objection that it cannot explain why measurement outcomes are predicted by the Born probability rule. We understand quantum probabilities in terms of an observer's self-location probabilities. We formulate a probability postulate for the MWI: the probability of self-location in a world with a given set of outcomes is the absolute square of that world's amplitude. We provide a proof of this postulate, which assumes the quantum formalism and two principles concerning symmetry and locality. We also show how a structurally similar proof of the Born rule is available for collapse theories. We conclude by comparing our account to the recent account offered by Sebens and Carroll.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14-23
Number of pages10
JournalStudies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics
Volume66
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2019

Funding

FundersFunder number
Israel Science Foundation1311/14

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