The 'relative state' formulation of quantum mechanics

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present, in a pedagogical manner and in Portuguese, the relative state formulation of quantum mechanics, published by Hugh Everett in 1957. In this presentation, we rewrite the original arguments using Dirac's formalism in order to facilitate their understanding. Furthermore, we point out the main problems encountered by Everett's interpretation. The presentation focuses on Everett's original papers and manuscripts, rather than on the subsequent interpretations of Everett's work, which attached a strong ontological meaning to its alleged implications.

many-worlds interpretation; Hugh Everett; quantum theory; relative state interpretation