Determinism in Quantum Physics

Grete Hermann

Eftichios Bitsakis

Four forms of physical determination are presently known in physics: classical or mechanical determination, related to classical mechanics; dynamical determination, related to the relativistic theories of electromagnetism and gravitation; classical statistical determination, related to classical statistical theories; and quantum statistical determination, related to modern microphysics. The concept of interaction is a fundamental on-tological category, a moment of which is the causal relation; interaction is also local, taking place at finite velocities. Following the evolution of physical theories, it is possible to attest to the historicity of the concept of interaction and, accordingly, of the categories of interaction and determination. According to the Copenhagen School, causality and locality are incompatible with quantum mechanics. On the contrary, according to the point of view developed here, realism, causality and locality are simultaneously compatible in the domain of microphysics.

Niall Shanks

John Earman

Various fault modes of determinism in classical physics are outlined. It is shown how quantum mechanics can cure some forms of classical indeterminism.

Lev Vaidman A

Jafar Bahreini, Mahdi Monfared, H. Razmi

Concept of has had many transformations throughout the history of physics, and it has been so influential in this field. However, with the growth of quantum physics, became a scientific dilemma and has created many challenges in various contemporary sciences. If this concept is understood correctly, many misconceptions corresponding to it in natural sciences, especially physics can be removed. The aim of this paper is to investigate this concept analytically to solve the existing problems. To do this, first we consider the terminology of including characteristic, necessary connection, and exact prediction. Then, William James definition of determinism, Laplacian determinism, Popper definition of determinism, causal determinism, logical determinism, epistemic determinism, metaphysical determinism, and theological are introduced. After which, we pay attention to different kinds of including global/local domain, complete/incomplete form, and the main factor in the formation of events. In the next step, it is discussed that although had been vague and causal in ancient Greece, it has become global and theological in middle Ages. In classical physics, it took a complete and universal form. Laplace provided the most complete picture of determinism. Because of some philosophical ideas, changed into a different concept in quantum mechanics. Copenhagen school physicists, especially Bohr, regarded determinism as a problem and an undesirable element. It is shown that is a complex subject with a number of aspects and characteristics which cannot be set aside from the science. The final result is that cannot be denied in the science; in particular, the quantum mechanics is a deterministic theory but in an incomplete or local manner.