- #1
Derek Potter
- 509
- 37
I have it on good authority that decoherence (probably) solves the preferred basis problem and explains the suppression of interference phenomena; however there remains the question: why do we get outcomes at all?
Unitary evolution of coupled systems results in entanglement and thus an improper mixed state. So, I would argue, when an observer looks at a superposition it looks like a mixed state: a probability distribution of different outcomes.
What then is left to explain? Or is there something wrong with this argument?
Please, please, please, don't tell me that QM is required to explain how a truly classical world emerges! QM is notoriously about observations and if decoherence accounts for observations that look like classical ones, then surely the job is done! It is nonsense to move the goalposts when the game is over.
But maybe there is something to explain which is staring me in the face but which I can't see?
Unitary evolution of coupled systems results in entanglement and thus an improper mixed state. So, I would argue, when an observer looks at a superposition it looks like a mixed state: a probability distribution of different outcomes.
What then is left to explain? Or is there something wrong with this argument?
Please, please, please, don't tell me that QM is required to explain how a truly classical world emerges! QM is notoriously about observations and if decoherence accounts for observations that look like classical ones, then surely the job is done! It is nonsense to move the goalposts when the game is over.
But maybe there is something to explain which is staring me in the face but which I can't see?
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