Two Forms of Inconsistency in Quantum Foundations

British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 72 (4):1083-1110 (2021)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Recently, there has been some discussion of how Dutch Book arguments might be used to demonstrate the rational incoherence of certain hidden variable models of quantum theory. In this paper, we argue that the 'form of inconsistency' underlying this alleged irrationality is deeply and comprehensively related to the more familiar 'inconsistency' phenomenon of contextuality. Our main result is that the hierarchy of contextuality due to Abramsky and Brandenburger corresponds to a hierarchy of additivity/convexity-violations which yields formal Dutch Books of different strengths. We then use this result to provide a partial assessment of whether these formal Dutch Books can be interpreted normatively.

Similar books and articles

Nonlocality and conservation laws in hidden variable theories.Dien A. Rice - 1997 - Foundations of Physics 27 (10):1345-1353.
Effects and Propositions.William Demopoulos - 2010 - Foundations of Physics 40 (4):368-389.
Neutron Matter Wave Quantum Optics.Helmut Rauch - 2012 - Foundations of Physics 42 (6):760-777.
The Incoherence of Determinism.Bernard Mayo - 1969 - Philosophy 44 (168):89 - 100.

Analytics

Added to PP
2018-07-18

Downloads
314 (#65,338)

6 months
98 (#47,029)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author Profiles

Jer Steeger
University of Bristol
Nicholas Teh
University of Notre Dame

Citations of this work

No citations found.

Add more citations