Quantum probability: a reliable tool for an agent or a reliable source of reality?

Abstract

In this paper we attempt to analyze the concept of quantum probability within quantum computation and quantum computational logic. While the subjectivist interpretation of quantum probability explains it as a reliable predictive tool for an agent in order to compute measurement outcomes, the objectivist interpretation understands quantum probability as providing reliable information of a real state of affairs. After discussing these different viewpoints we propose a particular objectivist interpretation grounded on the idea that the Born rule provides information about an intensive realm of reality. We then turn our attention to the way in which the subjectivist interpretation of probability is presently applied within both quantum computation and quantum computational logic. Taking as a standpoint our proposed intensive account of quantum probability we discuss the possibilities and advantages it might open for the modeling and development of both quantum computation and quantum computational logic.

Reliability: an introduction

“…As evidenced, by the diversity of contributions presented so far in this introduction, the heterogeneity of contributions appearing in this volume offers a a rich panorama on the notion of reliability, which extends beyond its traditional boundaries. Such extension is particularly evident in de Ronde et al (2021) and Primiero et al (2021). The mentioned papers present indeed the role of reliability in (the foundation) of Quantum Mechanics and in the theory of change of software systems, respectively.…”

“…de Ronde et al (2021) approaches reliability in the context of one of the most puzzling philosophical issues raised by quantum mechanics, which is central in the discussion around the interpretation of the theory: the role and the interpretation of probability. To sum up the whole problem in a question: which notion of probability comes out from quantum theory?…”

“…Our call for expression of interest received a great variety of promised manuscripts, the variety is reflected in the published papers. They range from fields far away from our own interests such as quantum probabilities de Ronde et al (2021), evolvable software systems Primiero et al (2021), to topics closer to our own research in the philosophy of medicine Lalumera et al (2020), psychology Dutilh et al (2021), traditional epistemology Dunn (2021); Tolly (2021) to finally close shared interests in formal epistemology Romero and Sprenger (2021) even within our own department Merdes et al (2021).…”

Quantum semantics of text perception

“… 116 . In the spirit of QBism, our model explicitly describes cognition of a user who is trying to make sense of that world 25 , 82 , 85 , 131 – 134 . In particular, it provides top-level counterpart for neurophysiological methods of revealing and quantifying cognitive relations like fMRI adaptation 135 , 136 that can be used in semantic studies of human cognition 67 , 137 – 139 .…”

“…In general, probabilistic regularities of human behavior do not fit in a single-context Kolmogorovian probability space 19 , 20 ; their description requires multi-context probability measure supplemented by transition rules between different contexts. Such measure is provided by quantum theory where the required contextual probability calculus is based on the notion of quantum state 21 – 25 . This allows to account for contextual cognitive and behavioral phenomena by simple and quantitative models reviewed in 15 , 26 , 27 .…”