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Conventional quantum mechanics is predicated on the assumption that exact, deterministic values of observables are in principle accessible to physical theory despite the limitations imposed on the measurement process by the very nature of quantum theory, which is statistical and subject to the uncertainty principle. This tacit but basic postulate can be traced to the fundamental dichotomy imposed on the physical world by the orthodox theory of measurement, which splits the physical environment into two sharply separated sectors: 'system" and "apparatus". Although the dividing line is admittedly arbitrary and chosen by the "observer" so as to meet his convenience, it is nevertheless requested that, once it is drawn, the 'system" should be considered as subject to quantum mechanical laws, whereas the "apparatus' should be described "classically" (Bohr, 1934,1961; Messiah, 1962)

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-009-4492-3_1

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