Objective Probability and the Mind-Body Relation

TL;DR

This paper links objective probability in quantum mechanics with interpretations of the mind-body relation, proposing a fission perspective on Everettian theory and clarifying the derivation of the Born rule.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interpretation connecting quantum processes with mind-body relations, supporting a fission view of Everettian theory and strengthening the derivation of the Born rule.

Findings

Linked objective probability with mind-body interpretations.

Proposed a fission, not divergence, view of Everettian theory.

Provided a firmer derivation of the Born rule in Everettian quantum mechanics.

Abstract

Objective probability in quantum mechanics is often thought to involve a stochastic process whereby an actual future is selected from a range of possibilities. Everett's seminal idea is that all possible definite futures on the pointer basis exist as components of a macroscopic linear superposition. I demonstrate that these two conceptions of what is involved in quantum processes are linked by two alternative interpretation of the mind-body relation. This leads to a fission, rather than divergence, interpretation of Everettian theory and to a novel explanation of why a principle of indifference does not apply to self-location uncertainty for a post-measurement, pre-observation subject, just as Sebens and Carroll claim. Their Epistemic Separability Principle is shown to arise out of this explanation and the derivation of the Born rule for Everettian theory is thereby put on a firmer footing.