Can the two-time interpretation of quantum mechanics solve the measurement problem? (English) Zbl 1364.81023
Summary: Over many years, Aharonov and co-authors have proposed a new interpretation of quantum mechanics: the two-time interpretation. This interpretation assigns two wavefunctions to a system, one of which propagates forwards in time and the other backwards. In this paper, I argue that this interpretation does not solve the measurement problem. In addition, I argue that it is neither necessary nor sufficient to attribute causal power to the backwards-evolving wavefunction \(\langle \Phi |\) and thus its existence should be denied, contra the two-time interpretation. Finally, I follow Vaidman in giving an epistemological reading of \(\langle \Phi |\).
MSC:
| 81P05 | General and philosophical questions in quantum theory |
| 81P15 | Quantum measurement theory, state operations, state preparations |
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