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Quantum Reference Frames in the Context of EPR

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Michael Dickson
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Abstract

Taking a cue from Bohr's use of the notion of a reference frame in his reply to EPR's argument against the completeness (and consistency) of standard quantum theory, this paper presents an analysis ofthe role of reference frames in the situation considered by EPR, using a quantum-theoretical account of physical reference frames based on the work of Mackey, and Aharonov and Kaufherr. That analysis appears to justify at least some crucial aspects of a Bohrian reply to EPR.

Type
Bohr's Philosophy of Quantum Theory: A New Look
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 71 , Issue 5: Proceedings of the 2002 Biennial Meeting of The Philosophy of Science Association. Part II: Symposia Papers , December 2004 , pp. 655 - 668
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 by the Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

‡

My thinking about the reply to EPR (and especially possible connections with the historical Bohr, which are not considered here) has benefited enormously from the historical and philosophical work of Tanona (2002). A helpful discussion with Harvey Brown cleared up some points about reference frames. Thanks also to audiences at Indiana, Vienna, Krakow, Utrecht, London, and Oxford, for their patience and helpful comments on half-baked versions of these ideas.

References

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