Journal of Mathematical Physics

The range of quantum probability

Itamar Pitowsky

Published Jun 1, 1986• 72 citations

Abstract

The set of all pair (and in fact higher-order) distributions that are representable in quantum mechanics is characterized and compared with the classical range. Various interference phenomena yield pair distributions that are not classical; a few examples are discussed. These results shed light on some fundamental problems concerning the interpretation of quantum mechanics, in particular it is demonstrated how the ‘‘quantum logic’’ of Birkhoff and Von Neumann can be naturally interpreted in terms of truth values. Finally, the possibility of interpreting quantum probability in a realistic ‘‘quasiclassical’’ way is explored.

DOI: 10.1063/1.527066

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