The measurement problem is your problem too

Ronnie Hermens

pp. 469-478

in: Dennis Dieks, Stephan Hartmann, Thomas Uebel, Marcel Weber, Maria C. Galavotti (eds), New directions in the philosophy of science, Berlin, Springer, 2014

Abstract

Ontic structural realists draw support for their view from fundamental theories in modern physics. Quantum mechanics is uncontroversially regarded as being amongst those theories. In this paper, I defend the idea that quantum mechanics cannot play this role of a fundamental theory without assuming that a solution for the measurement problem is available. I go on to illustrate that, in the light of possible solutions to the measurement problem, the support for ontic structural realism from quantum mechanics becomes disputable. I also argue that resorting to notions of fundamentality that leave the support for ontic structural realism intact presuppose too much aspects of this metaphysical position for the support from quantum mechanics to be considered significant.