Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The self-contradictory foundations of formalistic quantum measurement theories

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

Abstract

One school of thought in quantum measurement theory adopts as its aim the derivation of a certain mixed statistical operator to characterize the ensemble of global objectapparatus systems subsequent to the measurement interaction. This paper demonstrates that even if that goal were achieved, the consequent theory of measurement would be self-contradictory; hence the measurement problem is improperly formulated. The epistemological root of the difficulty is discussed briefly. A logical resolution is offered in terms of quantum axiomatics by emphasizing the actual relationship of quantum theory to experimental and observational data.

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

Access this article

Log in via an institution

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Araki, H. and Yanase, M. (1961).Physical Review,120, 622.

    Google Scholar 

  • Band, W. and Park, J. (1972).International Journal of Theoretical Physics, Vol. 6, No. 1, p. 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • d'Espagnat, B. (1965).Conceptions de la Physique Contemporaine. Hermann, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fine, A. (1970).Physical Review,D2, 2783.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jammer, M. (1966).The Conceptual Development of the Quantum Theory. McGraw-Hill, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margenau, H. (1937).Philosophy of Science,4, 352.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margenau, H. (1950).The Nature of Physical Reality. McGraw-Hill, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margenau, H. (1963).Philosophy of Science,30, Part I, 1, Part II, 138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moldauer, P. (1972).Physical Review,D4, 1028.

    Google Scholar 

  • von Neumann, J. (1955).Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (Eng. trans. by R. T. Beyer). Princeton University Press.

  • Park, J. and Margenau, H. (1968).International Journal of Theoretical Physics, Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, J. (1968),Philosophy of Science,35, Part I, 205, Part II, 389.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, J. (1970).Foundations of Physics,1, 23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schrödinger, E. (1936).Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society,32, 446.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wigner, E. (1952).Zeitschrift für Physik,133, 101.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Washington State University, 99163, Pullman, Washington

    James L. Park

Authors
  1. James L. Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Work supported by a grant from Research Corporation.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Park, J.L. The self-contradictory foundations of formalistic quantum measurement theories. Int J Theor Phys 8, 211–218 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00680232

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00680232

Keywords

Search

Navigation