Reduction and Explanation

Abstract

One of the defining aspects of the epistemic conception of quantum states is that it conceives of quantum states as non-descriptive. In this section, I consider the criticism that any non-descriptive reading of quantum states entails an unattractive ontological quantum/classical divide. This divide is supposed to separate a realm of classical macro-objects, which are susceptible to descriptions in terms of classical concepts, from a realm of quantum micro-objects, for which no descriptive account can be given at all.