Towards a Neo-Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

The Copenhagen interpretation is critically considered. A number of ambiguities, inconsistencies and confusions are discussed. It is argued that it is possible to purge the interpretation so as to obtain a consistent and reasonable way to interpret the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, which is in agreement with the way this theory is dealt with in experimental practice. In particular, the essential role attributed by the Copenhagen interpretation to measurement is acknowledged. For this reason it is proposed to refer to it as a neo-Copenhagen interpretation

Preparation and measurement: two independent sources of uncertainty in quantum mechanics

In the Copenhagen interpretation the Heisenberg uncertainty relation is interpreted as the mathematical expression of the concept of complementarity, quantifying the mutual disturbance necessarily taking place in a simultaneous or joint measurement of incompatible observables. This interpretation has already been criticized by Ballentine a long time ago, and has recently been challenged in an experimental way. These criticisms can be substantiated by using the generalized formalism of positive operator-valued measures, from which a new inequality can be derived, precisely illustrating the Copenhagen concept of complementarity. The different roles of preparation and measurement in creating uncertainty in quantum mechanics are discussed.Comment: latex, 18 pages, 4 eps figure

Interpretations of quantum mechanics, and interpretations of violation of Bell's inequality

The discussion of the foundations of quantum mechanics is complicated by the fact that a number of different issues are closely entangled. Three of these issues are i) the interpretation of probability, ii) the choice between realist and empiricist interpretations of the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, iii) the distinction between measurement and preparation. It will be demonstrated that an interpretation of violation of Bell's inequality by quantum mechanics as evidence of non-locality of the quantum world is a consequence of a particular choice between these alternatives. Also a distinction must be drawn between two forms of realism, viz. a) realist interpretations of quantum mechanics, b) the possibility of hidden-variables (sub-quantum) theories.Comment: LATeX, 20 pages, 4 figures, to be published in Proceedings of the International Conference on Foundations of Probability and Physics, Vaxjo, 27 Nov. -1 Dec. 200

Genitofemoral neuralgia : adding to the burden of chronic vulvar pain

The vulva is a particularly common locus of chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics that occurs in women of any age, though most women with neuropathic type chronic vulvar pain will remain undiagnosed even following multiple physician visits. Here, we report on an exemplary case of a middle-aged woman who was referred to the Vulvovaginal Disease Clinic with debilitating vulvar burning and itching over the right labium majus that had been persisting for 2 years and was considered intractable. Careful history taking and clinical examination, followed by electrophysiological assessment through somatosensory evoked potentials was consistent with genitofemoral neuralgia, for which no obvious cause could be identified. Adequate pain relief was obtained with a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor and topical gabapentin cream. We briefly discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of genitofemoral neuralgia and provide a series of clues to guide clinicians in obtaining a presumptive diagnosis of specific neuropathic pain syndromes that may underlie chronic vulvar pain. We further aim to draw attention to the tremendous burden of chronic, unrecognized vulvar pain

Een goddelijk beroep : Spiritualiteit in de beroepspraktijk van leraren in het orthodox-protestantse basisonderwijs

Miedema, S. [Promotor]Bakker, C. [Promotor]Smaling, A. [Promotor

Non-Kolmogorov probability models and modified Bell's inequality

We analyse the proof of Bell's inequality and demonstrate that this inequality is related to one particular model of probability theory, namely Kolmogorov measure-theoretical axiomatics, 1933. We found a (numerical) statistical correction to Bell's inequality. Such an additional term in the right hand side of Bell's inequality can be considered as a probability invariant of a quantum state. This is a measure of nonreproducibility of hidden variables in different runs of experiments. Experiments to verify Bell's inequality can be considered as just experiments to estimate this constant. It seems that Bell's inequality could not be used as a crucial reason to deny local realism. We consider deterministic as well as stochastic hidden variables models