Charting the landscape of interpretation, theory rivalry, and underdetermination in quantum mechanics
Abstract
When we speak about different interpretations of quantum mechanics it is suggested that there is one single quantum theory that can be interpreted in different ways. However, after an explicit characterization of what it is to interpret quantum mechanics, the right diagnosis is that we have a case of predictively equivalent rival theories. I extract some lessons regarding the resulting underdetermination of theory choice. Issues about theoretical identity, theoretical and methodological pluralism, and the prospects for a realist stance towards quantum theory can be properly addressed once we recognize that interpretations of quantum mechanics are rival theories.
Description
Keywords
Quantum mechanics, Empirical equivalence, Underdetermination, Pluralism, Theory identity