The Quantum Measurement Problem: State of Play

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current state of the quantum measurement problem, emphasizing the role of decoherence theory and critically examining traditional approaches without endorsing a specific solution.

Contribution

It highlights the significance of decoherence in understanding quantum measurement and critically assesses traditional formulations, providing a nuanced overview of modern perspectives.

Findings

Decoherence theory is crucial to modern quantum measurement explanations.

Traditional formulations of the measurement problem have notable limitations.

The paper offers a critical perspective without proposing a definitive solution.

Abstract

This is a preliminary version of an article to appear in the forthcoming Ashgate Companion to the New Philosophy of Physics. I don't advocate any particular approach to the measurement problem (not here, at any rate!) but I do focus on the importance of decoherence theory to modern attempts to solve the measurement problem, and I am fairly sharply critical of some aspects of the "traditional" formulation.