Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

On the Fundamental Nature of the Quantum Mechanical Probability Function

Golden Gadzirayi Nyambuya

Published Nov 1, 2012• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

The probability of occurrence of an event or that of the existence of a physical state has no relative existence in the sense that motion is strongly believed to only exist in the relative sense. If the probability of occurrence of an event or that of the existence of a physical state is known by one observer, this probability must be measured to have the same numerical value by any other observer anywhere in the Universe. If we accept this bare fact, then, the probability function can only be a scalar. Consequently, from this fact alone, we argue that the quantum mechanical wavefunction can not be a scalar function as is assumed for the Schroedinger and the Klein-Gordon wavefunctions. This has fundamental implications on the nature of the wavefunction insofar as translations from one reference system to the other is concerned.

Related papers

Physical quantum states and the meaning of probability

Michel Paty

We investigate epistemologically the meaning of probability as implied in quantum physics in connection with a proposed direct interpretation of the state function and of the related quantum theoretical quantities in terms of physical systems having physical properties, through an extension of meaning of the notion of physical quantity to complex mathematical expressions not reductible to simple numerical values. We show how the changes occurred in the implication of probabilities in quantum physics, from a penetration tool (probability as statistics and frequencies of occurencies of events) to a theoretical concept (probability given by a physically aimed at «amplitude of probability») actually make this view a somewhat «natural» one.

•Jan 1, 2000•4 citations

Exploring the Mathematics and Metaphysics of the Universal Wavefunction

Gregory Pierpoint

Quantum mechanics presents a reality that defies classical intuitions, with the universal wavefunction offering one of the most profound perspectives in modern physics. This paper delves into the mathematical structure of the universal wavefunction, its role in the Many-Worlds Interpretation, and the metaphysical implications for determinism, reality, and consciousness. By blending rigorous mathematical formalism with philosophical exploration, we investigate the conceptual and mathematical underpinnings of quantum reality and its relevance to the nature of existence. Recognizing the speculative nature of certain topics, we clearly distinguish established science from conjectural ideas. Additionally, we provide a critical analysis of various interpretations of quantum mechanics, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss potential experimental tests and observable consequences of the universal wavefunction theory. This work also addresses challenges, such as the derivation of the Born rule and the interpretation of probability in the multiverse.

•Oct 3, 2024•0 citations

Why does the wavefunction 'collapse' in relational approaches to quantum mechanics?

Emily Adlam

I argue that there is a straightforward way to understand the occurrence of wavefunction collapses or 'quantum events' in relational approaches to quantum mechanics: we necessarily encounter a discontinuity in our description when a system interacts with the reference relative to which we are describing it, since the reference system cannot be described relative to itself. This makes it clear how recent concerns around quantum events in relational quantum mechanics should be resolved. However, the solution requires accepting that quantum mechanics is not a complete description of all physical facts, and moreover I argue that this is most likely inevitable if we want to be able to give a precise description of quantum events.

quant-pharXiv:2604.12094•Apr 15, 2026•0 citations

The Quantum Mechanics of Being and Its Manifestation

Ulrich Mohrhoff

How can quantum mechanics be (i) the fundamental theoretical framework of contemporary physics and (ii) a probability calculus that presupposes the events to which, and on the basis of which, it assigns probabilities? The question is answered without invoking knowledge or observers, by interpreting the necessary distinction between two kinds of physical quantities - unconditionally definite quantities and quantities that have values only if they are measured - as a distinction between the manifested world and its manifestation.

arXiv:1604.01016•Apr 4, 2016•1 citation

Quantum Measurements Generating Structures of Numerical Events

Dietmar W. Dorninger, Helmut Länger

Let S be a set of states of a physical system and p(s) the probability of an occurrence of an event when the system is in state s∈S. The function p from S to [0,1] is called a numerical event, multidimensional probability or, more precisely, S-probability. If a set of numerical events is ordered by the order of real functions one obtains a partial ordered set P in which the sum and difference of S-probabilities are related to their order within P. According to the structure that arises, this further opens up the opportunity to decide whether one deals with a quantum mechanical situation or a classical one. In this paper we focus on the situation that P is generated by a given set of measurements, i.e. S-probabilities, without assuming that these S-probabilities can be complemented by further measurements or are embeddable into Boolean algebras, assumptions that were made in most of the preceding papers. In particular, we study the generation by S-probabilities that can only assume the values 0 and 1, thus dealing with so called concrete logics. We characterize these logics under several suppositions that might occur with measurements and generalize our findings to arbitrary S-probabilities, this way providing a possibility to distinguish between potential classical and quantum situations and the fact that an obtained structure might not be sufficient for an appropriate decision. Moreover, we provide some explanatory examples from physics.

Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics•Jan 1, 2018•4 citations

ON THE ORIGIN OF PROBABILITY IN QUANTUM MECHANICS

Stephen D. H. Hsu

I give a brief introduction to many worlds or "no wave function collapse" quantum mechanics, suitable for non-specialists. I then discuss the origin of probability in such formulations, distinguishing between objective and subjective notions of probability.

arXiv:1110.0549•Modern Physics Letters A•Apr 3, 2012•14 citations
The probability of occurrence of an event or that of the existence of a physical state has no relative existence in the sense that motion is strongly believed to only exist in the relative sense. If the probability of occurrence of an event or that of the existence of a physical state is known by one observer, this probability must be measured to have the same numerical value by any other observer anywhere in the Universe. If we accept this bare fact, then, the probability function can only be a scalar. Consequently, from this fact alone, we argue that the quantum mechanical wavefunction can not be a scalar function as is assumed for the Schroedinger and the Klein-Gordon wavefunctions. This has fundamental implications on the nature of the wavefunction insofar as translations from one reference system to the other is concerned.
We investigate epistemologically the meaning of probability as implied in quantum physics in connection with a proposed direct interpretation of the state function and of the related quantum theoretical quantities in terms of physical systems having physical properties, through an extension of meaning of the notion of physical quantity to complex mathematical expressions not reductible to simple numerical values. We show how the changes occurred in the implication of probabilities in quantum physics, from a penetration tool (probability as statistics and frequencies of occurencies of events) to a theoretical concept (probability given by a physically aimed at «amplitude of probability») actually make this view a somewhat «natural» one.
Quantum mechanics presents a reality that defies classical intuitions, with the universal wavefunction offering one of the most profound perspectives in modern physics. This paper delves into the mathematical structure of the universal wavefunction, its role in the Many-Worlds Interpretation, and the metaphysical implications for determinism, reality, and consciousness. By blending rigorous mathematical formalism with philosophical exploration, we investigate the conceptual and mathematical underpinnings of quantum reality and its relevance to the nature of existence. Recognizing the speculative nature of certain topics, we clearly distinguish established science from conjectural ideas. Additionally, we provide a critical analysis of various interpretations of quantum mechanics, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss potential experimental tests and observable consequences of the universal wavefunction theory. This work also addresses challenges, such as the derivation of the Born rule and the interpretation of probability in the multiverse.
I argue that there is a straightforward way to understand the occurrence of wavefunction collapses or 'quantum events' in relational approaches to quantum mechanics: we necessarily encounter a discontinuity in our description when a system interacts with the reference relative to which we are describing it, since the reference system cannot be described relative to itself. This makes it clear how recent concerns around quantum events in relational quantum mechanics should be resolved. However, the solution requires accepting that quantum mechanics is not a complete description of all physical facts, and moreover I argue that this is most likely inevitable if we want to be able to give a precise description of quantum events.
How can quantum mechanics be (i) the fundamental theoretical framework of contemporary physics and (ii) a probability calculus that presupposes the events to which, and on the basis of which, it assigns probabilities? The question is answered without invoking knowledge or observers, by interpreting the necessary distinction between two kinds of physical quantities - unconditionally definite quantities and quantities that have values only if they are measured - as a distinction between the manifested world and its manifestation.
Let S be a set of states of a physical system and p(s) the probability of an occurrence of an event when the system is in state s∈S. The function p from S to [0,1] is called a numerical event, multidimensional probability or, more precisely, S-probability. If a set of numerical events is ordered by the order of real functions one obtains a partial ordered set P in which the sum and difference of S-probabilities are related to their order within P. According to the structure that arises, this further opens up the opportunity to decide whether one deals with a quantum mechanical situation or a classical one. In this paper we focus on the situation that P is generated by a given set of measurements, i.e. S-probabilities, without assuming that these S-probabilities can be complemented by further measurements or are embeddable into Boolean algebras, assumptions that were made in most of the preceding papers. In particular, we study the generation by S-probabilities that can only assume the values 0 and 1, thus dealing with so called concrete logics. We characterize these logics under several suppositions that might occur with measurements and generalize our findings to arbitrary S-probabilities, this way providing a possibility to distinguish between potential classical and quantum situations and the fact that an obtained structure might not be sufficient for an appropriate decision. Moreover, we provide some explanatory examples from physics.