The case for quantum probabilism

What is the relationship between rational agency and the quantum? One way to approach this question is to focus on probabilism, the doctrine that rational beliefs ought to conform to the probability calculus. To the extent that the beliefs prescribed by quantum mechanics cannot be interpreted in terms of ordinary probabilities, a way of preserving the spirit, if not the letter, of probabilism in view of quantum phenomena is to introduce new criteria of rationality which select certain classes of “generalized probabilities”.

But what are generalized probabilities? And how can the new criteria be justified?

The workshop’s aim is to investigate whether models of correct reasoning based on a broadly representational account of conceptual activity allow us to satisfactorily answer those questions and whether any promising alternatives exist. 

Program

THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER

9.45-9.50 Opening

9.50-10.35 J. Steeger (Bristol) A pluralist approach to quantum probabilism

10.35-11.20 G. Bacciagaluppi (Utrecht) Probabilism vs epistemicism

11.20-11.30 Break

11.30-12.15 R. Schack (London) Quantum dynamics happens only on paper 

12.15-13.00 S. Osnaghi (Vienna) A quantum myth of the Given

13.00-15.00 Lunch Break

15.00-15.45 P. Berghofer (Graz) Quantum probabilities are objective degrees of epistemic justification

15.45-16.30 M. Bitbol (Paris) Probabilism as a principle of science

16.30-16.45 Break

16.45-17.30 F. Del Santo (Geneva) Probabilities as a limited knowledge of potentialities 

17.30-18.15 R. Healey (Tucson) Quantum probabilism and the right kind of objectivity

FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER

09.45-10.30 M. Müller (Vienna) Thinking twice inside the box: is Wigner’s friend really about quantum theory?

10.30-11.15 B. Dakić (Vienna) From classical to quantum: Revisiting Kolmogorov probability theory for a unified framework

11.15-12.00 Č. Brukner (Vienna) Incompatible probabilities in quantum mechanics with finite resources

12.00-12.30 Discussion