Tag: Quantum Physics

RQM and the Measurement Problem

This post offers a brief informal introduction to Relational Quantum Mechanics (RQM) and describes how it solves the measurement problem. What quantum mechanics (QM) says about the phenomena it describes is strange. One central difficulty is usually summarized as the “measurement problem”. The QM model of a physical system does not assign definite values to… Continue reading RQM and the Measurement Problem

Paper: RQM and Molecular Structure

I have a new paper out, titled “Relational Quantum Mechanics, Causal Composition, and Molecular Structure”, published in the journal Foundations of Chemistry (see links at the end of this post). The topic concerns the relationship between chemistry and quantum mechanics (QM), and is sometimes called the problem of molecular structure. (The paper expands on some… Continue reading Paper: RQM and Molecular Structure

Work in Process

There is a contemporary movement among a number of philosophers, inspired by biology, to pursue a process-oriented metaphysics. These theorists argue that standard approaches are inadequate because they do not capture the essentially dynamic nature of biological systems. Traditional ontologies begin with essentially stable building blocks (a “thing” such as a substance, object, or particle).… Continue reading Work in Process

RQM and Molecular Composition

According to the last post, the constitution of complex natural systems should be understood using a theory of composite causal processes. Composite causal processes are formed from a pattern of discrete causal interactions among a group of smaller sub-processes. When the latter sustains a higher rate of in-group versus out-group interactions, they form a composite.… Continue reading RQM and Molecular Composition

Why I Favor Relational Quantum Mechanics

[Originally published January 28, 2021] I think Relational Quantum Mechanics (RQM), initially proposed by Carlo Rovelli, is the best interpretation of quantum mechanics.1 It is important to note right away, however, that I depart from Rovelli’s thinking in one important respect. He takes an anti-realist view of the wave function (or quantum state). As I will… Continue reading Why I Favor Relational Quantum Mechanics