Interpretation of the wave function of the Universe
Alexander Vilenkin
A probabilistic interpretation of the wave function of the Universe is proposed in which ``probability'' and ``unitarity'' are inherently approximate concepts. Their validity is limited by the accuracy of the semiclassical approximation for the entire Universe. This approach (which is a logical extension of DeWitt's) defines a positive-semidefinite probability distribution and satisfies the correspondence principle with classical cosmology and with quantum mechanics. In particular, one recovers the standard probabilistic interpretation of the wave function for a small subsystem of the Universe.
Physical review. D. Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology/Physical review. D. Particles and fields•Feb 15, 1989•216 citations