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The Role of the Future in Quantum Theory

Paul Sommers
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Abstract

Interpretation problems are eliminated from quantum theory by picturing a quantum history as having been sampled from a probability distribution over the set of histories which are permitted by all relevant boundary conditions. In laboratory physics, the final measurement plays a crucial role in defining the set of allowed histories by constraining the final state to be an eigenstate of the measurement operator. For the universe itself, a final boundary condition can play a similar role. Together with the special big bang initial state, the final constraint may ensure that the universe admits a classical description in the asymptotic future. Acknowledging the role of a future constraint dispels the mysteries of quantum theory without any amendment to the theory itself.

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Paul Sommers. 1994-04-12. The Role of the Future in Quantum Theory. https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9404022

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