Scientific Objectivity and its Limits

TL;DR

This paper examines the nature of objectivity in quantum measurement outcomes, arguing that even if they lack ideal objectivity, their modest objectivity suffices for scientific knowledge.

Contribution

It reappraises the concepts of fact and objectivity in quantum theory, proposing that measurement outcomes can be considered physically factual despite limited objectivity.

Findings

Quantum measurement outcomes are physical facts.

Universal applicability of quantum theory challenges traditional notions of objectivity.

Modest objectivity of measurement outcomes is sufficient for scientific knowledge.

Abstract

Measurement outcomes provide data for a physical theory. Unless they are objective they support no objective scientific knowledge. So the outcome of a quantum measurement must be an objective physical fact. But recent arguments purport to show that if quantum theory is universally applicable then there is no such fact. This calls for a reappraisal of the notions of fact and objectivity. If quantum theory is universally applicable the facts about the physical world include a fact about each quantum measurement outcome. These physical facts lack an ideal kind of objectivity but their more modest objectivity is all that science needs.