The Quantum Revolution in Philosophy

Richard Healey, Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona

Richard Healey has been Professor of Philosophy at the University of Arizona since 1991. One aim of his research has been to inquire how far foundational studies of physics shed light on metaphysical topics such as holism, realism, composition, time and causation. He is now exploring the relations between science and metaphysics from a broadly pragmatist perspective. His Gauging What's Real (2007), exploring the conceptual foundations of gauge theories in physics, was awarded the Lakatos Prize in the philosophy of science.

1. Overview: A New Kind of Science
I: Quantum Theory
2. Superposition
3. Entanglement
4. Non-locality
5. Assigning Values and States
6. Measurement
7. Interlude: Some Alternative Interpretations
II: Philosophical Revelations
8. Theories, Models, and Representation
9. Probability and Explanation
10. Causation and Locality
11. Observation and Objectivity
12. Meaning
13. Fundamentality
Conclusion
Appendices