The Metaphysics of Bohmian Mechanics : : A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Interpretations of Bohmian Ontology / / Vera Matarese.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter DG Plus DeG Package 2023 Part 1
• VerfasserIn: Matarese, Vera,
• Place / Publishing House: Berlin ;, Boston : : De Gruyter, , [2023]; ©2023
• Year of Publication: 2023
• Language: English
• Series: Epistemic Studies : Philosophy of Science, Cognition and Mind , 51
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (XVII, 241 p.)

The aim of this book is to provide a comprehensive guide to the metaphysics of Bohmian mechanics. Bohmian mechanics is a quantum theory that describes the motion of particles following trajectories that are determined by the quantum wave-function. The key question that the theory has to face relates to the ontological interpretation of the quantum wave-function. The main debate has mostly centered around two opposing views, wave-function realism on the one hand, and the nomological view on the other hand. The supporters of the former believe that the wave-function is a physical field living in a high-dimensional space; the supporters of the latter regard the wave-function as just an entity that appears in the laws of nature and lacks physical status. This monograph discusses both views open-mindedly, illuminating their tacit problems and providing new insight into how they can be overcome. Moreover, it discusses the structuralist view, which is often neglected and which can be regarded as a reconciliation of the two main opposing camps.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Acknowledgments -- Contents -- Illustrations -- Abbreviations -- Introduction -- I The Bohmian System -- 1 Bohmian Mechanics: The Fundamentals -- II The Status of the Particles -- 2 Bohmian Particles and Bohmian Properties -- III The Status of the Wave-function -- 3 A Realist Interpretation for the Wave-function -- 4 A Nomological Interpretation for the Wave-function -- IV The Structuralist View -- 5 Ontic Structural Realism: The State of the Art -- 6 Bohmian Mechanics and Ontic Structural Realism -- 7 Conclusive Remarks -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Index