Many Worlds, the Cluster-state Quantum Computer, and the Problem of the Preferred Basis

Cuffaro, Michael E. (2012): Many Worlds, the Cluster-state Quantum Computer, and the Problem of the Preferred Basis. In: Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, Vol. 43, No. 1: 35 - 42

Abstract

I argue that the many worlds explanation of quantum computation is not licensed by, and in fact is conceptually inferior to, the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics from which it is derived. I argue that the many worlds explanation of quantum computation is incompatible with the recently developed cluster state model of quantum computation. Based on these considerations I conclude that we should reject the many worlds explanation of quantum computation.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: Quantum computation; Quantum mechanics; Many worlds; Everettian interpretation; Quantum parallelism; Quantum speed-up; Cluster state; Measurement-based; One-way; Preferred basis problem
• Faculties: Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP); Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) > Philosophy of Physics
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 100 Philosophy
• ISSN: 1355-2198
• Language: English