“Centering the Everett Interpretation”

Isaac Wilhelm – National University of Singapore

Tuesday, November 29, 2022
1:00pm–3:00pm (East Coast time)

[Registration Form] (Abstract, Handout, and Video Below)

• The Foundations of Physics @Harvard series is co-sponsored by the Department of Philosophy
• This is a free Zoom event (no registration fee)
• The meeting ID and password will be shared with those who register
• Each talk will be 1 hour, followed by a 5-minute break and then 55 minutes for questions
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• You can visit the YouTube channel here

Questions or comments: Jacob Barandes, firstname_lastname(at)harvard.edu (organizer)

1:00–2:00
Talk
Handout (PDF)
Video (YouTube)

2:00–2:05
Break

2:05–3:00
Open Discussion and Q&A

Abstract

I propose an account of probability in the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics. According to the account, probabilities are objective chances of centered propositions. As I show, the account solves a number of problems concerning the role of probability in the Everett interpretation. It also challenges an implicit assumption, concerning the aim and scope of fundamental physical theories, that is made throughout the philosophy of physics literature.