On Healey's holistic interpretation of quantum mechanics

Abstract

Richard Healey has recently defended an interactive and holistic interpretation of quantum mechanics. The present work focuses on the holistic aspects of this interpretation. Healey claims that symmetric causes are responsible for the experimental violations of the Bell inequalities and that relational holism is a metaphysical implication of these violations. Presented in this way, the holistic features of Healey's interpretation appear to provide metaphysical backing to the physical mechanism of symmetric causes. It is argued that relational holism is not a metaphysical implication at all but is actually a physical component of Healey's interpretation. Seen in this light, Healey's interpretation no longer appears to provide further insight into the violations of the Bell inequalities.