In Understanding Entanglement: A realist approach, Jørn Kløvfjell Mjelva investigates quantum entanglement – a puzzling phenomenon in which distinct systems are correlated in a way that defies classical expectations. Central to Mjelva’s investigation is the question of whether taking entanglement to correspond to some special metaphysical feature of the correlated systems enables us to explain these mysterious correlations. By further developing existing realist accounts of entanglement and showing how they can be applied to account for various quantum phenomena, Mjelva bolsters the case for the realist position while offering new insights on the metaphysics of entanglement.
The dissertation has two main contributions: one is an account of a phenomenon known as “entanglement swapping”, showing how a realist view of entanglement can make sense of it. The second is a novel approach to the metaphysics of entanglement based on a non-standard formalism for quantum mechanics, offering a fresh perspective on some of the central debates concerning the metaphysical implications of entanglement.
As entanglement presents a radical break with the classical image of reality, understanding what it signifies is crucial to advancing our understanding of the world we find ourselves in. Understanding Entanglement contributes to this endeavour by offering a novel take on this problem.
Jørn Kløvfjell Mjelva successfully defended his thesis on January 29, 2026.
Trial lecture
Designated topic: Does quantum mechanics face a measurement problem? An assessment of the current debate.
Jørn Kløvfjell Mjelva successfully defended his thesis on 27 January 2026.
Evaluation committee
- Professor Alyssa Ney, LMU München (first opponent)
- Assistant Professor David Glick, UC Davis (second opponent)
- Professor Øystein Linnebo, University of Oslo (committe administrator)
Chair of the defence
- Senior Lecturer Eirik Welo, University of Oslo
Supervisors
- Associate Professor Karen Crowther (University of Oslo)
- Professor Alastair Wilson (University of Leeds)