Quantum Theory and Novel Scientific Language: Defending a Pragmatist View

Abstract This article advocates for a pragmatist view on quantum theory, offering a response to David Wallace’s recent criticisms of Richard Healey’s quantum pragmatism. In particular, I challenge Wallace’s general claim that quantum pragmatists—and antirepresentationalists more broadly—lack the resources to make sense of the novel “quantum” language used throughout modern physics in applications of quantum theory. I conclude by posing a challenge to quantum representationalists.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Philosophy of Science
Published
2025-09-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/psa.2025.10128
Primary Topic
Philosophy and History of Science
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Quantum Theory and Novel Scientific Language: Defending a Pragmatist View

Tanner Leighton
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy and History of Science
article

Quantum Theory and Novel Scientific Language: Defending a Pragmatist View

Tanner Leighton
article en

Abstract

Abstract This article advocates for a pragmatist view on quantum theory, offering a response to David Wallace’s recent criticisms of Richard Healey’s quantum pragmatism. In particular, I challenge Wallace’s general claim that quantum pragmatists—and antirepresentationalists more broadly—lack the resources to make sense of the novel “quantum” language used throughout modern physics in applications of quantum theory. I conclude by posing a challenge to quantum representationalists.

Philosophy of Science
University of Pittsburgh (US)
University of Cambridge
Openalex Percentile: Top 70%
Philosophy and History of Science
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.