Finite-precision measurement does not nullify the Kochen-Specker theorem

It is proven that any hidden variable theory of the type proposed by Meyer [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 83}, 3751 (1999)], Kent [{\em ibid.} {\bf 83}, 3755 (1999)], and Clifton and Kent [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A {\bf 456}, 2101 (2000)] leads to experimentally testable predictions that are in contradiction with those of quantum mechanics. Therefore, it is argued that the existence of dense Kochen-Specker-colorable sets must not be interpreted as a nullification of the physical impact of the Kochen-Specker theorem once the finite precision of real measurements is taken into account.Comment: REVTeX4, 5 page

On relativistic elements of reality

Several arguments have been proposed some years ago, attempting to prove the impossibility of defining Lorentz-invariant elements of reality. I find that a sufficient condition for the existence of elements of reality, introduced in these proofs, seems to be used also as a necessary condition. I argue that Lorentz-invariant elements of reality can be defined but, as Vaidman pointed out, they won't satisfy the so-called product rule. In so doing I obtain algebraic constraints on elements of reality associated with a maximal set of commuting Hermitian operators.Comment: Clarifications, reference added; published versio

Gebruiksplannen

no abstrac

On managing innovation by design: Towards SMART methods

In this paper innovation by design is characterised schematically and methodological with the aim of analysing how projects of innovation by design can be managed. First, I approach innovation by design from an engineering perspective, and show that the incorporation of innovation into design projects has complicated their management by making these projects less SMART (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Time-related). Second, I consider methods for innovation by design and propose that innovation-by-design projects can be made better manageable, not by making the projects themselves SMART, but by formulating the methodological phases these projects have to go through in a SMART manner.Values and TechnologyTechnology, Policy and Managemen

Towards Precedence that Justifies the Knowledge Claims of Design Methods

This paper analyses the relation between the precedence of a design method and the justification of the method. A design method is assumed to advance two knowledge claims concerning its domain of application: that it is an effective means for designing and that it is an efficient means for doing so. It is argued that precedence of a method can justify these knowledge claims under two conditions. The first is that precedence, in addition to descriptions of successful design projects realized with the method, also comprises: (1) negative precedence of unsuccessful design projects; and (2) comparative precedence of design projects carried out with other methods rival to the method concerned. The second condition is that the two knowledge claims of a method can be justified by precedence about only exemplar design tasks that represent the full application domain of the method.Accepted Author ManuscriptEthics & Philosophy of Technolog

The societal impact of the emerging quantum technologies: a renewed urgency to make quantum theory understandable

This paper introduces the special issue The societal impact of the emerging quantum technologies as a contribution to a more inclusive societal debate on quantum technologies. It brings together five contributions. Three are authored by quantum technology researchers who give explorations of the possible impacts of quantum technologies on science, industry and society. The fourth contribution discusses within the framework of responsible research and innovation, the ways in which quantum technologies and the societal debate about them are presented in European policy documents. The final contribution analyses how the popularisation of quantum theory for wider audiences has evolved, and can be improved, with the emergence of quantum technologies. This introduction is also a call for a renewed effort to make quantum theory understandable. A preamble to a societal debate about quantum technologies is that all stakeholders understand these technologies to a reasonable degree, and the current framing of quantum theory as enigmatic in not helpful to meeting this. It is argued that philosophers of physics can help overcome this framing by explaining how quantum theory and quantum technologies are similar to every-day descriptions and technologies.Ethics & Philosophy of Technolog

A logical critique of the expert position in design research: beyond expert justification of design methods and towards empirical validation

This paper gives a general and logical analysis of the expert position in design research bywhich methods for innovative design can be derived from expert design practices. It firstgives a framework for characterising accounts of design by the way in which they defineand relate general, descriptive and prescribed types of design practices. Second, it analyseswith this framework the expert position's conservatism of prescribing existing expert designpractices to non-expert designers. Third, it argues that the expert status of expert designersdoes not provide suficient justification for prescribing expert design practices to non-expert designers; it is shown that this justification needs support by empirical testing.Fourth, it discusses validation of designmethods for presenting an approach to this testing.One consequence of the need to empirically test the expert position is that its prescriptionhas to be formulated in more detail. Another consequence is that it undermines the expertposition since expert design practices are not anymore certain sources for deriving designmethods with. Yet it also opens the expert position to other sources for developing designmethods for innovation, such as the practices of contemporary designers and the insightsof design researchers.Ethics & Philosophy of Technolog

Transparency in Responsible Design: Avoiding Engineering Overconfidence and Supporting Societal Acceptance

In this contribution it is argued that in responsible design engineers should be transparent towards stakeholders about the goals they intend to realise with their designs. The emergence of responsible design in, e.g., value-sensitive design, design for values, social design, nudging and positive design, is to be welcomed. It has however the weakness of overconfidence which may lead engineers to suspend earlier commitments to society as given in engineering codes of conduct and ethics, and practices of seeking informed consent and taking blame. It is argued that these earlier commitments lead to the requirement that engineers should be transparent about the goals in responsible designs. Providing this transparency support moreover the societal acceptance of responsible design since it positions engineers doing responsible design as subscribing to values such as respect, honesty and trust. I illustrate the argument with a case of social design and a case of nudging.Ethics & Philosophy of Technolog