Science 240 Fall 1998

Short Paper #2

Philosophical Issues of Quantum Mechanics

Due: Monday Oct. 26

Reminder: Late papers are penalized

Length:

3 (plus or minus 1/2 page) double-spaced typewritten pages with 1" margins. 12 point type. About 1000-1100 words. Worth 15% of the course grade.

Assignment:

Write a critical, argumentative paper that focuses on one of the following topics. The topics are somewhat overlapping, but you are asked to pick one for your focal point. The paper should identify a clear thesis in its first paragraph, and then focus on developing, analyzing, and supporting that thesis throughout the paper in a linear fashion.The general claims you make should be supported by concrete details.

It is useful to make an outline before you begin writing, which of course can be altered as your thinking develops. You might also imagine you are a lawyer in a court of law trying to make a case for your client. The best cases include both positive arguments for the thesis, and arguments against the opposing thesis, including a response to arguments made by the opponent. The paper should demonstrate a good understanding of the relevant facts of quantum mechanics (as presented in the Kosso text) and the philosophical problems they pose. Be careful not to just repeat material from the book or lecture. Show independent thinking.

Topics

Choose only 1 out of the given 3. Identify your chosen topic on your paper.

1. Einstein vs. Quantum Mechanics.

Given Bell's theorem and the associated experimental results, can one still reasonably maintain Einstein's view of quantum mechanics? Write an essay in which you critically discuss and analyze the reasons behind Einstein's original position in 1935, and then critically discuss and analyze the consequences of Bell's theorem for that position. Your essay should also connect these issues with the Duhemian thesis, and the problem of choosing the best explanation of the data. Bohm's theory is also relevant here as a response to the EPR experiment.

2. Realist vs. Bohr's Instrumentalist/empiricist views of quantum mechanics.

One of Kosso's claims is that we can use the facts of science itself to help us decide between an instrumentalist/antirealist perspective on scientific theories versus a realist perspective. The actual content of well-confirmed theories is supposed to provide additional arguments for realism vs. instrumentalism beyond the general philosophical arguments we looked at in the first weeks of the course. Write an essay which addresses the following issues: a. To what extent do the facts of quantum mechanics itself lend support to a realist versus Bohr's instrumentalist view of quantum mechanics? (Hint: You will want to discuss facts like the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, among others) b. Overall, is realism or Bohr's instrumentalism the better position to adopt with respect to quantum mechanics, and why? (You may want to include material here from the earlier part of the course.) c. To what extent do your conclusions apply only to quantum mechanics, and to what extent do they apply to other scientific theories, and why?

3. Responses to the Measurement Problem.

Kosso describe a number of different approaches to the measurement problem(The Many Worlds interpretation, the consciousness interpretation, the "It's all QM" view, and we can add just a general instrumentalist approach to the problem). Which approach to the measurement problem is best, and why? You may invent your own approach or investigate the literature for other approaches if you like. (Hint: the internal pragmatic virtues are relevant here.)

Grading Criteria

(An "A" paper must do well on all criteria)

1. Clear statement of the thesis
2. Accuracy and depth of understanding of the relevant issue.
3. Identifies and understands the relevant facts of quantum mechanics.
4. Strength and logical character of the arguments that support the thesis
5. Minimal number of spelling and grammatical errors. Good clear writing.
6. Degree of independent thinking and originality