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Annales de la fondation Louis de Broglie/Annales de la Fondation Louis de Broglie

Conceptual foundations of quantum theory: a map of the land

Sebastiano Sonego

Published Jan 1, 1992• 4 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

This is not a review article on the conceptual foundations of quantum theory. Rather, it should be considered an “overview paper”, or better, as claimed in the title, a “map” whose aim is to help one in orienting through the subject. The material is organized as follows. After a brief exposition of the three classic paradoxes of quantum mechanics—the measurement, Zeno, and EPR paradoxes— the main interpretations of the theory, as well as the major alternative theories, are outlined. Some puzzling topics of conceptual interest are also presented and briefly discussed. Particular attention has been devoted to the preparation of the bibliography.

Related papers

The Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Jeffrey Alan Barrett

Abstract The book starts with a description of classical mechanics then discusses the quantum phenomena that require us to give up our commonsense classical intuitions. We consider the physical and conceptual arguments that led to the standard von Neumann-Dirac formulation of quantum mechanics and how the standard theory explains quantum phenomena. This includes a discussion of how the theory’s two dynamical laws work with the standard interpretation of states to explain determinate measurement records, quantum statistics, interference effects, entanglement, decoherence, and quantum nonlocality. A careful understanding of how the standard theory works ultimately leads to the quantum measurement problem. We consider how the measurement problem threatens the logical consistency of the standard theory then turn to a discussion of the main proposals for resolving it. This includes collapse formulations of quantum mechanics like Wigner’s extension of the standard theory and the GRW approach and no-collapse formulations like pure wave mechanics, the various many-worlds theories, and Bohmian mechanics. In discussing alternative formulations of quantum mechanics we pay particular attention to the explanatory role played by each theory’s empirical ontology and associated metaphysical commitments and the conceptual trade-offs between theoretical options.

•Dec 26, 2019•57 citations

Foundations Of Quantum Theory Revisited

Asoke N. Mitra

After giving a panoramic view of the " text-book " interpretation of the new quantum mechanics, as a sequel to the old quantum theory, the conceptual basis of quantum theory since the Copenhagen Interpretation is reviewed in the context of various proposals since Einstein and Niels Bohr, designed to throw light on possible new facets bearing on its foundations, the key issues to its inherent "incompleteness" being A) measurement, and B) quantum non-locality. A related item on measurement, namely Quantum Zeno (as well as anti-Zeno) effect is also reviewed briefly. The inputs for the new facets are from some key Indian experts : S.M. Roy, V. Singh ; D. Home; B. Misra; C.S. Unnikrishnan

arXiv:quant-ph/0510223•Oct 28, 2005•1 citation

Introduction

Robert B. Griffiths

Scope of this book Quantum mechanics is a difficult subject, and this book is intended to help the reader overcome the main difficulties in the way to understanding it. The first part of the book, Chs. 2–16, contains a systematic presentation of the basic principles of quantum theory, along with a number of examples which illustrate how these principles apply to particular quantum systems. The applications are, for the most part, limited to toy models whose simple structure allows one to see what is going on without using complicated mathematics or lengthy formulas. The principles themselves, however, are formulated in such a way that they can be applied to (almost) any nonrelativistic quantum system. In the second part of the book, Chs. 17–25, these principles are applied to quantum measurements and various quantum paradoxes, subjects which give rise to serious conceptual problems when they are not treated in a fully consistent manner. The final chapters are of a somewhat different character. Chapter 26 on decoherence and the classical limit of quantum theory is a very sketchy introduction to these important topics along with some indication as to how the basic principles presented in the first part of the book can be used for understanding them. Chapter 27 on quantum theory and reality belongs to the interface between physics and philosophy and indicates why quantum theory is compatible with a real world whose existence is not dependent on what scientists think and believe, or the experiments they choose to carry out. The Bibliography contains references for those interested in further reading or in tracing the origin of some of the ideas presented in earlier chapters.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Nov 29, 2001•0 citations

An Introduction to the Foundations and Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Theodore McKeever, Ahsan Nazir

This article surveys a selection of key conceptual and interpretational developments in quantum mechanics, tracing the theory from its foundational postulates to contemporary discussions of measurement, nonlocality, and the emergence of classicality. Beginning with the structure of Hilbert space and the postulates governing state evolution and measurement, the epistemic stance of the Copenhagen interpretation and its modern reformulations are examined. The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen argument, Bell's theorem, and Hardy's paradox are then discussed as probes of locality and realism, alongside the deterministic but explicitly nonlocal de Broglie-Bohm theory. The measurement problem and the implications of contextuality are analyzed in relation to objective collapse models, which introduce new physical dynamics to account for definite outcomes. Finally, the role of decoherence in the suppression of interference and the emergence of classical behavior is explored, together with the interpretational frameworks of many-worlds and consistent histories. This material aims to provide a coherent introductory overview of how several of the most prominent interpretations address the central concern of what quantum mechanics tells us about the nature of physical reality.

quant-pharXiv:2603.09818•Mar 11, 2026•0 citations

An introduction to the foundations and interpretations of quantum mechanics

Theodore McKeever, Ahsan Nazir

This article surveys a selection of key conceptual and interpretational developments in quantum mechanics, tracing the theory from its foundational postulates to contemporary discussions of measurement, nonlocality, and the emergence of classicality. Beginning with the structure of Hilbert space and the postulates governing state evolution and measurement, the epistemic stance of the Copenhagen interpretation and its modern reformulations are examined. The Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen argument, Bell’s theorem, and Hardy’s paradox are then discussed as probes of locality and realism, alongside the deterministic but explicitly nonlocal de Broglie–Bohm theory. The measurement problem and the implications of contextuality are analyzed in relation to objective collapse models, which introduce new physical dynamics to account for definite outcomes. Finally, the role of decoherence in the suppression of interference and the emergence of classical behavior is explored, together with the interpretational frameworks of many-worlds and consistent histories. This material aims to provide a coherent introductory overview of how several of the most prominent interpretations address the central concern of what quantum mechanics tells us about the nature of physical reality.

Canadian Journal of Physics•Jan 1, 2026•0 citations

Exploring the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: Recent Developments and Open Questions

Arun Kumar

The foundations of quantum mechanics have been a subject of intense investigation and debate since the theory's inception. Recent developments in quantum technologies and theoretical frameworks have shed new light on foundational issues and raised intriguing questions about the nature of reality at the quantum level. recent advancements in our understanding of the foundational principles of quantum mechanics and discuss unresolved questions that continue to challenge our conceptual framework. Topics of interest include the measurement problem, quantum entanglement, the role of contextuality and nonlocality, interpretations of quantum theory, and the quest for a unified theory of quantum gravity. findings and ongoing debates in the field, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the foundations of quantum mechanics and stimulate further discussion and inquiry into these fundamental questions.

Journal of Quantum Science and Technology.•Mar 31, 2024•0 citations
This is not a review article on the conceptual foundations of quantum theory. Rather, it should be considered an “overview paper”, or better, as claimed in the title, a “map” whose aim is to help one in orienting through the subject. The material is organized as follows. After a brief exposition of the three classic paradoxes of quantum mechanics—the measurement, Zeno, and EPR paradoxes— the main interpretations of the theory, as well as the major alternative theories, are outlined. Some puzzling topics of conceptual interest are also presented and briefly discussed. Particular attention has been devoted to the preparation of the bibliography.
Abstract The book starts with a description of classical mechanics then discusses the quantum phenomena that require us to give up our commonsense classical intuitions. We consider the physical and conceptual arguments that led to the standard von Neumann-Dirac formulation of quantum mechanics and how the standard theory explains quantum phenomena. This includes a discussion of how the theory’s two dynamical laws work with the standard interpretation of states to explain determinate measurement records, quantum statistics, interference effects, entanglement, decoherence, and quantum nonlocality. A careful understanding of how the standard theory works ultimately leads to the quantum measurement problem. We consider how the measurement problem threatens the logical consistency of the standard theory then turn to a discussion of the main proposals for resolving it. This includes collapse formulations of quantum mechanics like Wigner’s extension of the standard theory and the GRW approach and no-collapse formulations like pure wave mechanics, the various many-worlds theories, and Bohmian mechanics. In discussing alternative formulations of quantum mechanics we pay particular attention to the explanatory role played by each theory’s empirical ontology and associated metaphysical commitments and the conceptual trade-offs between theoretical options.
After giving a panoramic view of the " text-book " interpretation of the new quantum mechanics, as a sequel to the old quantum theory, the conceptual basis of quantum theory since the Copenhagen Interpretation is reviewed in the context of various proposals since Einstein and Niels Bohr, designed to throw light on possible new facets bearing on its foundations, the key issues to its inherent "incompleteness" being A) measurement, and B) quantum non-locality. A related item on measurement, namely Quantum Zeno (as well as anti-Zeno) effect is also reviewed briefly. The inputs for the new facets are from some key Indian experts : S.M. Roy, V. Singh ; D. Home; B. Misra; C.S. Unnikrishnan
Scope of this book Quantum mechanics is a difficult subject, and this book is intended to help the reader overcome the main difficulties in the way to understanding it. The first part of the book, Chs. 2–16, contains a systematic presentation of the basic principles of quantum theory, along with a number of examples which illustrate how these principles apply to particular quantum systems. The applications are, for the most part, limited to toy models whose simple structure allows one to see what is going on without using complicated mathematics or lengthy formulas. The principles themselves, however, are formulated in such a way that they can be applied to (almost) any nonrelativistic quantum system. In the second part of the book, Chs. 17–25, these principles are applied to quantum measurements and various quantum paradoxes, subjects which give rise to serious conceptual problems when they are not treated in a fully consistent manner. The final chapters are of a somewhat different character. Chapter 26 on decoherence and the classical limit of quantum theory is a very sketchy introduction to these important topics along with some indication as to how the basic principles presented in the first part of the book can be used for understanding them. Chapter 27 on quantum theory and reality belongs to the interface between physics and philosophy and indicates why quantum theory is compatible with a real world whose existence is not dependent on what scientists think and believe, or the experiments they choose to carry out. The Bibliography contains references for those interested in further reading or in tracing the origin of some of the ideas presented in earlier chapters.
This article surveys a selection of key conceptual and interpretational developments in quantum mechanics, tracing the theory from its foundational postulates to contemporary discussions of measurement, nonlocality, and the emergence of classicality. Beginning with the structure of Hilbert space and the postulates governing state evolution and measurement, the epistemic stance of the Copenhagen interpretation and its modern reformulations are examined. The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen argument, Bell's theorem, and Hardy's paradox are then discussed as probes of locality and realism, alongside the deterministic but explicitly nonlocal de Broglie-Bohm theory. The measurement problem and the implications of contextuality are analyzed in relation to objective collapse models, which introduce new physical dynamics to account for definite outcomes. Finally, the role of decoherence in the suppression of interference and the emergence of classical behavior is explored, together with the interpretational frameworks of many-worlds and consistent histories. This material aims to provide a coherent introductory overview of how several of the most prominent interpretations address the central concern of what quantum mechanics tells us about the nature of physical reality.
This article surveys a selection of key conceptual and interpretational developments in quantum mechanics, tracing the theory from its foundational postulates to contemporary discussions of measurement, nonlocality, and the emergence of classicality. Beginning with the structure of Hilbert space and the postulates governing state evolution and measurement, the epistemic stance of the Copenhagen interpretation and its modern reformulations are examined. The Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen argument, Bell’s theorem, and Hardy’s paradox are then discussed as probes of locality and realism, alongside the deterministic but explicitly nonlocal de Broglie–Bohm theory. The measurement problem and the implications of contextuality are analyzed in relation to objective collapse models, which introduce new physical dynamics to account for definite outcomes. Finally, the role of decoherence in the suppression of interference and the emergence of classical behavior is explored, together with the interpretational frameworks of many-worlds and consistent histories. This material aims to provide a coherent introductory overview of how several of the most prominent interpretations address the central concern of what quantum mechanics tells us about the nature of physical reality.
The foundations of quantum mechanics have been a subject of intense investigation and debate since the theory's inception. Recent developments in quantum technologies and theoretical frameworks have shed new light on foundational issues and raised intriguing questions about the nature of reality at the quantum level. recent advancements in our understanding of the foundational principles of quantum mechanics and discuss unresolved questions that continue to challenge our conceptual framework. Topics of interest include the measurement problem, quantum entanglement, the role of contextuality and nonlocality, interpretations of quantum theory, and the quest for a unified theory of quantum gravity. findings and ongoing debates in the field, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the foundations of quantum mechanics and stimulate further discussion and inquiry into these fundamental questions.