Quantum Ontology A Guide to the Metaphysics of Quantum Mechanics

Peter Lewis is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami. He studied physics at Oxford University and philosophy at the University of California, Irvine. His main research interest is how to understand quantum mechanics as a description of the physical world. He has published a number of articles in influential journals on various facets of this project.

Preface
Introduction

1 Phenomena and Theory
1.1 Interference
1.2 Entanglement
1.3 Matrix mechanics
1.4 Wave mechanics
1.5 Interpretation

2 Realism
2.1 Quantum mechanics as incomplete
2.2 No-go theorems
2.3 What do the theorems prove?
2.4 Rescuing realism
2.5 Conclusion

3 Underdetermination
3.1 The measurement problem
3.2 Spontaneous collapse theories
3.3 Hidden variable theories
3.4 The many worlds theory
3.5 Reducing the alternatives
3.6 Conclusion

4 Indeterminacy
4.1 Textbook indeterminacy
4.2 Radical indeterminacy
4.3 Moderate indeterminacy
4.4 Indeterminacy and branching
4.5 Avoiding indeterminacy
4.6 Conclusion

5 Causation
5.1 Locality
5.2 Particle trajectories
5.3 Wave packets
5.4 Collapses as causes
5.5 Conclusion

6 Determinism
6.1 Uncertainty
6.2 Probability
6.3 Immortality
6.4 Free will
6.5 Conclusion

7 Dimensions
7.1 Configuration space
7.2 Three-dimensionality as an illusion
7.3 Adding ontology
7.4 Interpreting the wave function
7.5 Conclusion

8 Parts and Wholes
8.1 The case for holism
8.2 Holism reconsidered
8.3 The case against individuals
8.4 Individuals reconsidered
8.5 Conclusion

9 Six Quantum Worlds

References