Why Middle-Sized Matters: Quantum Realism, Minds and the Problem of Macro-Objects

Simpson, William M.R.

Abstract

The Problem of Macro-Objects concerns how three-dimensional, middle-sized objects, such as scientists and their measuring devices, can exist in a quantum world. This paper discusses the problem for wave function realism and the primitive ontology approach to quantum mechanics, focussing on Alyssa Ney's recent two-stage solution, in which macro-objects are functionally reduced to micro-objects and micro-objects are parts of a whole in which they are grounded (the wave function field). It raises metaphysical difficulties with this proposal which a hylomorphic account of wholes may be able to address, noting possible implications for one's philosophy of mind depending on one's preferred solution to the Measurement Problem.

Citation

Simpson, W. M. (2024). Why Middle-Sized Matters: Quantum Realism, Minds and the Problem of Macro-Objects. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2877(1), Article 012121. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2877/1/012121

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Oct 1, 2024
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 19, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Physics: Conference Series
• Print ISSN: 1742-6588
• Electronic ISSN: 1742-6596
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2877
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 012121
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2877/1/012121
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3100805
• Additional Information: Article is available open access here: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2877/1/012121