Saving Science from Quantum Mechanics: The Epistemology of the Measurement Problem

The quantum measurement problem refers to a collection of unresolved questions about what happens during the measurement of a quantum system. The measurement problem must be solved in order for us to understand what kind of underlying reality could be compatible with the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics.

The existing literature on the measurement problem typically views the problem through the lens of ontology and metaphysics. Adlam reconceptualizes the quantum measurement problem as a problem of epistemology, and in doing so presents a novel perspective on the issue, offering a new approach to finding valid solutions. Once we understand the importance of epistemology to the measurement problem, it becomes clear that several popular proposals have epistemic flaws which threaten their viability as solutions. This reframing helps clear the field so we can see where future research should be focused.

Saving Science from Quantum Mechanics delves into the subtle relationship between physics and epistemology, exploring how they constrain and inspire each other. It will use the measurement problem to motivate a wide-ranging account of the epistemology of science and to highlight the role of coherence in justifying the use of measurements and observations in the scientific process.

Dr Emily Adlam is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Chapman University. She completed her PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Cambridge, and studied physics and philosophy at the University of Oxford. She is a winner of the Blaumann Prize (2023), and the annual FXQi Essay Competition (2017).