The Quantum Revolution in Philosophy

Quantum theory launched a revolution in physics. But we have yet to understand the revolution’s significance for philosophy. Richard Healey opens a path to such understanding. The first part of this book offers a self-contained but opinionated introduction to quantum theory. The second part goes on to assess the theory’s philosophical significance. Most philosophical studies of quantum theory first try to interpret the theory - to say how the world could possibly be the way the theory says it is. But, though fundamental, quantum theory is enormously successful without describing the world in its own terms. When properly applied, models of quantum theory offer good advice on the import of claims about the world expressed in other terms, and on how firmly we should believe those claims that are meaningful. The quantum revolution illustrates the value of pragmatist approaches to such topics as probability, causation, explanation, and meaning.