Skip to main content
Log in

Forms for probability ascriptions

  • Published:
International Journal of Theoretical Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

I apply the distinctions between the probability of a conditional, and a conditional with a probabilistic consequent, to quantum theory. I concentrate on an application hardly studied in the literature: namely, the case where the antecedent of the conditional states which quantity is measured, and the consequent states which value the quantity has. I show how we can construe quantum theory as providing propositions of these kinds, both for intrinsic possessed values, and for measurement results. I also show that most construals satisfy a plausible constraint requiring a kind of independence between which quantity is measured and what the value or result is.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bohm, D. (1952). A suggested interpretation of the quantum theory in terms of ‘hidden’ variables, I and II,Physical Review,85, 166–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bugajski, S. (1978). Probability implication in the logics of classical and quantum mechanics,Journal of Philosophical Logic,7, 95–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butterfield, J. (1987). Probability and disturbing measurement,Aristotelian Society Supplementary Volume,61, 211–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butterfield, J. (1992). Probabilities and conditionals: Distinctions by example,Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society,91, 251–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dirac, P. (1958).The Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Clarendon Press, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghirardi, G., Rimini, A., and Weber, T. (1986). Unified dynamics for microscopic and macroscopic systems,Physical Review D,34, 470–491.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpin, J. (1991). What is the logical form of probability assignment in quantum mechanics?Philosophy of Science,58, 36–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, D. (1973).Counterfactuals, Blackwells, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, D. (1986).Philosophical Papers, Volume II, Oxford University Press, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Messiah, A. (1966).Quantum Mechanics, Volume I, Wiley, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearle, P. (1989). Combining stochastic dynamical state-vector reduction with spontaneous localization,Physical Review A,39, 2277–2289.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skyrms, B. (1980).Causal Necessity, Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skyrms, B. (1984).Pragmatics and Empiricism, Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stalnaker, R. (1968). A theory of conditionals, inCausation and Conditionals, E. Sosa, ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Fraassen, B., and Hooker, C. (1976). A semantic analysis of Niels Bohr's philosophy of quantum theory, inFoundations of Probability Theory, Statistical Inference and Statistical Theories of Science, Volume III, W. Harper and C. Hooker, eds., Reidel, Dordrecht, pp. 221–241.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Butterfield, J. Forms for probability ascriptions. Int J Theor Phys 32, 2271–2286 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00672999

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00672999

Keywords

Navigation