Foundations of quantum mechanics: decoherence and interpretation

J. S. ARDENGHI; S. FORTIN; M. NARVAJA; O. LOMBARDI

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MODERN PHYSICS D

WORLD SCIENTIFIC PUBL CO PTE LTD

Lugar: New Jersey; Año: 2011 vol. 20 p. 861 - 875

0218-2718

In this paper we review Castagnino contributions to the foundations of quantum mechanics. First, we recall his work on quantum decoherence in closed systems, and the proposal of a general framework for decoherence from which the phenomenon acquires a conceptually clear meaning. Then, we introduce his work in the difficult field of the interpretation of quantum mechanics: his modal-Hamiltonian interpretation solves many of the interpretive problems of the theory, and shows its physical relevance in its application to many traditional models of the practice of physics. In the third part of this work we describe the ontological picture to the quantum world that emerges from the modal-Hamiltonian interpretation, stressing the philosophical step toward a deep understanding of the reference of the theory.