Decoherence and definite outcomes

TL;DR

This thesis explores how decoherence relates to the problem of definite outcomes in quantum mechanics, clarifies misconceptions, and reviews alternative approaches to solving the measurement problem.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of decoherence's role in the measurement problem and discusses recent alternative solutions.

Findings

Decoherence helps explain the emergence of classicality.

Common misconceptions about the measurement problem are addressed.

Alternative approaches to the definite outcomes problem are presented.

Abstract

This thesis has three aims: (1) to clarify in detail the relation between the decoherence mechanism and the problem of definite outcomes, (2) to dispel common misconceptions about the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, and (3) to present some recent alternative approaches in the quest for a satisfactory solution of the definite outcomes problem.