What Distinguishes Neo-Copenhagenism from the Copenhagen Interpretation?

In summary, the different about the neo-Copenhagen interpretation is that it uses history to explain the existence of the quantum state.
  • #1
Nick V
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2
Is it the same thing as the copenhagen interpretation, what's different about it?
 
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  • #2
Copenhagen has a blemish - namely how does a theory that assumes the existence of a classical world observations appear in explain that world. Neo Copenhagen is an interpretation that fixes that up - the one I know being Consistent Histories:
http://quantum.phys.cmu.edu/CHS/histories.html

It does it by doing away with observations and using the concept of history - which is a series of projection operators. QM in that interpretation is the stochastic theory of histories.

There may be others as well, but its the one I am familiar with.

Lubos also explains it pretty well:
http://motls.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/copenhagen-interpretation-of-quantum.html

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #3
Well, it seems they still add new flavors to the Copenhagen interpretations. Overexaggerating it a bit: There are as many Copenhagen interpretations as quantum physicists subscribing to that interpretations :-).
 
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  • #4
vanhees71 said:
Well, it seems they still add new flavors to the Copenhagen interpretations. Overexaggerating it a bit: There are as many Copenhagen interpretations as quantum physicists subscribing to that interpretations :).

That's true as well - and you are only exaggerating a bit.

Most however have observations as the basic primitive and the state that determines the probabilities of the observation as subjective knowledge similar to the Bayesian view of probabilities.

In fact that jogs my memory - Quantum Bayesian can be considered a neo-Copenhagen interpretation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_Bayesianism

But as far as I can see its really just being explicit about the interpretation of probability used - so I would call it a more careful version of Copenhagen rather than an actual change.

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #5
Nick V said:
Is it the same thing as the copenhagen interpretation, what's different about it?

It would be helpful if you would tell us the context in which you encountered the phrase. I expect that you found it in the Leifer paper ("Is the quantum state real? A review of ψ-ontology theorems") to which you were referred earlier? If so, Leifer provides a definition, and if you have follow-up questions based on this definition you will have to be more precise about which parts you need help with.

Please don't just repeat your question without doing some studying first.
 

1. What is the basic principle behind neo-copenhagenism?

Neo-copenhagenism is a philosophical approach to understanding reality that is based on the idea of subjectivity. It suggests that our perception of the world and our experiences are shaped by our individual perspectives and cannot be separated from them.

2. How does neo-copenhagenism differ from traditional copenhagenism?

Neo-copenhagenism differs from traditional copenhagenism in that it emphasizes the role of the observer in shaping reality, while traditional copenhagenism focuses more on the objective existence of the physical world. Neo-copenhagenism also incorporates elements of postmodernism and existentialism into its philosophy.

3. Who are some prominent figures in the development of neo-copenhagenism?

Some prominent figures in the development of neo-copenhagenism include philosophers such as Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg also played important roles in shaping this philosophical approach through their work in quantum mechanics.

4. How does neo-copenhagenism relate to the field of quantum physics?

Neo-copenhagenism and quantum physics share a close relationship, as both focus on the subjective nature of reality and question the traditional idea of an objective, deterministic world. Neo-copenhagenism has been heavily influenced by the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly the uncertainty principle and observer effect.

5. What are some criticisms of neo-copenhagenism?

Criticisms of neo-copenhagenism include the idea that it is too focused on the individual and ignores the role of social and cultural influences on reality. Some also argue that it is too abstract and lacks practical applications. Additionally, some critics question the validity of the philosophy in light of emerging scientific theories and advancements.

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