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Cambridge University Press eBooks

The Original TI

Ruth E. Kastner

Published Apr 22, 2022• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This chapter reviews the original transactional interpretation as based on the Wheeler–Feynman absorber theory of radiation and demonstrates how the Born Rule for the probabilities of outcomes is a direct physical consequence of the transactional formulation. The chapter also accounts for the nature of “null measurements” and applies the transactional picture to the famous two-slit experiment to gain a better understanding of what it means for the experiment to be “finished” and how transactions illuminate the appearance and disappearance of interference based on the type of measurement being performed.

DOI
10.1017/9781108907538.004

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The Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

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Providing a comprehensive exposition of the transactional interpretation (TI) of quantum mechanics, this book sheds new light on long-standing problems in quantum theory such as the physical meaning of the 'Born Rule' for the probabilities of measurement results, and demonstrates the ability of TI to solve the measurement problem of quantum mechanics. It provides robust refutations of various objections and challenges to TI, such as Maudlin's inconsistency challenge, and explicitly extends TI into the relativistic domain, providing new insight into the basic compatibility of TI with relativity and the meaning of 'virtual particles.' It breaks new ground in approaches to interpreting quantum theory and presents a compelling new ontological picture of quantum reality. This substantially revised and updated second edition is ideal for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 22, 2022•38 citations

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A comprehensive exposition of the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics (TI), this book sheds new light on longstanding problems in quantum theory and provides insight into the compatibility of TI with relativity. It breaks new ground in interpreting quantum theory, presenting a compelling new picture of quantum reality. The book shows how TI can be used to solve the measurement problem of quantum mechanics and explain other puzzles, such as the origin of the 'Born Rule' for the probabilities of measurement results. It addresses and resolves various objections and challenges to TI, such as Maudlin's inconsistency challenge. It explicitly extends TI into the relativistic domain, providing new insight into the basic compatibility of TI with relativity and the physical meaning of 'virtual particles'. This book is ideal for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.

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Challenges, Replies, and Applications

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In this chapter, the relativistic transactional interpretation (RTI) is shown to completely nullify the Maudlin objection (a type of contingent absorber experiment) to the original, nonrelativistic TI. RTI is applied to some prominent quantum “paradoxes” such as the quantum eraser and the Frauchiger–Renner paradox and shown to resolve these. In addition, RTI derives standard decoherence results while also providing an account of concrete measurement outcomes that is missing in standard (unitary-only) decoherence theory.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 22, 2022•0 citations

Epilogue

Ruth E. Kastner

In this epilogue, key points of the book are summarized, highlighting the transactional account of the measurement transition and thus TI’s resolution of the measurement problem. Reasons for historical neglect of the Wheeler–Feynman theory and the transactional formulation are discussed. It is noted that certain metaphysical and even cultural preconceptions such as the yang-heavy emphasis of Western thought may have inhibited open consideration of the direct-action theory of fields, which involves the yin element of response/reception/dissolution, just as the same preconceptions inhibited scientific understanding of the active role of the female ovum in reproductive biology.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 22, 2022•0 citations

On Delayed Choice and Contingent Absorber Experiments

Ruth E. Kastner

It is pointed out that a slight variation on the Wheeler Delayed Choice Experiment presents the same challenge to orthodox quantum mechanics as Maudlin-type contingent absorber experiments present to the Transactional Interpretation (TI). Therefore, the latter cannot be used as a basis for refutation of TI.

arXiv:1205.3258•ISRN Mathematical Analysis•Dec 2, 2011•11 citations

Quantifying Absorption in the Transactional Interpretation

Ruth E. Kastner, J. G. Cramer

The Transactional Interpretation offers a solution to the measurement problem by identifying specific physical conditions precipitating the non-unitary `measurement transition' of von Neumann. Specifically, the transition occurs as a result of absorber response (a process lacking in the standard approach to the theory). The purpose of this Letter is to make clear that, despite recent claims to the contrary, the concepts of `absorber' and `absorber response,' as well as the process of absorption, are physically and quantitatively well-defined in the transactional picture. In addition, the Born Rule is explicitly derived for radiative processes.

arXiv:1711.04501•WORLD SCIENTIFIC (EUROPE) eBooks•Apr 14, 2019•29 citations
This chapter reviews the original transactional interpretation as based on the Wheeler–Feynman absorber theory of radiation and demonstrates how the Born Rule for the probabilities of outcomes is a direct physical consequence of the transactional formulation. The chapter also accounts for the nature of “null measurements” and applies the transactional picture to the famous two-slit experiment to gain a better understanding of what it means for the experiment to be “finished” and how transactions illuminate the appearance and disappearance of interference based on the type of measurement being performed.
Providing a comprehensive exposition of the transactional interpretation (TI) of quantum mechanics, this book sheds new light on long-standing problems in quantum theory such as the physical meaning of the 'Born Rule' for the probabilities of measurement results, and demonstrates the ability of TI to solve the measurement problem of quantum mechanics. It provides robust refutations of various objections and challenges to TI, such as Maudlin's inconsistency challenge, and explicitly extends TI into the relativistic domain, providing new insight into the basic compatibility of TI with relativity and the meaning of 'virtual particles.' It breaks new ground in approaches to interpreting quantum theory and presents a compelling new ontological picture of quantum reality. This substantially revised and updated second edition is ideal for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.
A comprehensive exposition of the transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics (TI), this book sheds new light on longstanding problems in quantum theory and provides insight into the compatibility of TI with relativity. It breaks new ground in interpreting quantum theory, presenting a compelling new picture of quantum reality. The book shows how TI can be used to solve the measurement problem of quantum mechanics and explain other puzzles, such as the origin of the 'Born Rule' for the probabilities of measurement results. It addresses and resolves various objections and challenges to TI, such as Maudlin's inconsistency challenge. It explicitly extends TI into the relativistic domain, providing new insight into the basic compatibility of TI with relativity and the physical meaning of 'virtual particles'. This book is ideal for researchers and graduate students interested in the philosophy of physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.
In this chapter, the relativistic transactional interpretation (RTI) is shown to completely nullify the Maudlin objection (a type of contingent absorber experiment) to the original, nonrelativistic TI. RTI is applied to some prominent quantum “paradoxes” such as the quantum eraser and the Frauchiger–Renner paradox and shown to resolve these. In addition, RTI derives standard decoherence results while also providing an account of concrete measurement outcomes that is missing in standard (unitary-only) decoherence theory.
In this epilogue, key points of the book are summarized, highlighting the transactional account of the measurement transition and thus TI’s resolution of the measurement problem. Reasons for historical neglect of the Wheeler–Feynman theory and the transactional formulation are discussed. It is noted that certain metaphysical and even cultural preconceptions such as the yang-heavy emphasis of Western thought may have inhibited open consideration of the direct-action theory of fields, which involves the yin element of response/reception/dissolution, just as the same preconceptions inhibited scientific understanding of the active role of the female ovum in reproductive biology.
The Transactional Interpretation offers a solution to the measurement problem by identifying specific physical conditions precipitating the non-unitary `measurement transition' of von Neumann. Specifically, the transition occurs as a result of absorber response (a process lacking in the standard approach to the theory). The purpose of this Letter is to make clear that, despite recent claims to the contrary, the concepts of `absorber' and `absorber response,' as well as the process of absorption, are physically and quantitatively well-defined in the transactional picture. In addition, the Born Rule is explicitly derived for radiative processes.