Demarcating probability theories by their degree of agent-dependency
APA
Rau, J. (2009). Demarcating probability theories by their degree of agent-dependency. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/09080020
MLA
Rau, Jochen. Demarcating probability theories by their degree of agent-dependency. Perimeter Institute, Aug. 14, 2009, https://pirsa.org/09080020
BibTex
@misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:09080020, doi = {10.48660/09080020}, url = {https://pirsa.org/09080020}, author = {Rau, Jochen}, keywords = {Quantum Foundations}, language = {en}, title = {Demarcating probability theories by their degree of agent-dependency}, publisher = {Perimeter Institute}, year = {2009}, month = {aug}, note = {PIRSA:09080020 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}} }
Goethe University Frankfurt
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Abstract
Recent advances in quantum computation and quantum information theory have led to revived interest in, and cross-fertilisation with, foundational issues of quantum theory. In particular, it has become apparent that quantum theory may be interpreted as but a variant of the classical theory of probability and information. While the two theories may at first sight appear widely different, they actually share a substantial core of common properties; and their divergence can be reduced to a single attribute only, their respective degree of agent-dependency. I propose a mathematical description for this ?degree of agent-dependency? and show how assuming different values allows one to derive the classical and the quantum case from their common core. Finally, I explore ? and eventually dismiss ? the possibility that beyond quantum theory there might be other variants of classical probability theory that are relevant to physics.