Understanding quantum phenomena and quantum theories

Abstract In this paper I examine the extent to which recent work in information-theoretic foundations of quantum mechanics can be thought to facilitate understanding, either of quantum phenomena or quantum theory. To do so I utilize the modal view of understanding phenomena. I extend this view to develop an analysis of understanding of theories. The extended modal view of understanding provides a unified view of recent work in information-theoretic foundations of quantum mechanics and explains how it facilitates understanding.

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