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Filozofia Nauki

Quantum interpretations and scientific explanation in paradigmatic quantum experiments

Reza Maleeh

Published Jan 1, 2017• 0 citations

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss two different formalisms of quantum mechanics, i.e. the orthodox and the de Broglie-Bohm formalisms, as explanations of the interference pattern observed in the doubleslit experiment. I evaluate the explanations provided by these two formalisms on the basis of Hempel's DN model of scientific explanation, showing that both formalisms can sufficiently explain the phenomenon. However, once the interpretations associated with the two formalisms come into play, the sufficiency of the DN model's evaluation of the explanations becomes questionable. Whereas the Copenhagen interpretation, associated with the orthodox quantum formalism, would evaluate the DN model as sufficient, Bohm's interpretation, associated with the de Broglie-Bohm formalism, would not. Bohm's interpretation would require descriptions containing relevant metaphysical relations to be included in the explanans. The DN model does not contain such a requirement. Then, Strevens's kairetic account of explanation will be introduced as an alternative model of scientific explanation. The kairetic account allows for descriptions of relevant metaphysical relations to be included in the explanans. I argue that the proponents of both interpretations will accept the evaluation provided by Strevens's kairetic account as sufficient. This highlights the role of quantum interpretations in modeling scientific explanation of quantum phenomena in two ways: (1) in determining the relevant explanans of the model of explanation, and (2) in evaluating models of explanation by virtue of evaluating the relevancy of their explanans or by evaluating whether the requirements of a model are fulfilled in the context of an interpretation.

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Abstract The distinctively quantum mechanical phenomena of interference and entanglement are explained. The theory of quantum mechanics that accounts for these phenomena is presented in its two forms: matrix mechanics and wave mechanics. It is argued that while these accounts have some of the superficial trappings of scientific explanation, they fail to provide an explanation in the sense of a description of the entities or properties responsible for the phenomena. In fact, the theory is remarkably silent regarding the physical states represented by the theory. The need for an interpretation of the quantum formalism—a way of understanding it as descriptive of the world—is defended.

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This paper deals with the problem of the interpretation of quantum mechanics, the nature of physical theory, and the future of physics. First, the question of why there are so many different interpretations of quantum mechanics proposed and accepted by outstanding quantum experts is treated. This requires a discussion of the relation between physics and philosophy and drawing a distinction between a physical formalism and a physical explanation. The Copenhagen interpretation is considered, criticized, and found to be unsatisfactory in some respects. Finally, an interpretation that contains ideas from previous interpretations but which may itself be new, is proposed. Hopefully, this is superior to the previous interpretations. It has, I believe, the advantage of logical clarity. In the process of doing this, I introduce a theory of levels of physical theory, according to which microscopic physical theory, as it develops in successive stages, becomes more and more adaptable to explaining—or at least taking cognizance of—fundamental biological or ultimately psychological phenomena.

The de Broglie-Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics (BM) has been favored as the preferred alternative to standard quantum mechanics on the ground that it allows a realist construal of the quantum world. We examine in the present work whether BM is consistent with scientific realism. Indeed, Bohmian mechanics makes strong ontological claims but accepts in principle the impossibility of generating epistemic warrants in support of its assumptions. We will argue that such a situation gives rise, at best, to an unsolvable underdetermination dilemma. This leads in turn to the following paradox: although Bohmian mechanics has frequently been invoked to reconcile quantum mechanics with realism, its status as a valid interpretation of quantum mechanics hinges nonetheless on nonevidential epistemological arguments traditionally associated with antirealism.

The first famous thought experiment of Einstein gives rise to his theories of relativity, the bedrock of modern astrophysics and cosmology. His second famous thought experiment begins the investigation into the foundations of quantum mechanics. It leads to a paradox, inspiring various 'no-go' theorems proven by Bell, Kochen, and Specker. Physicists and philosophers worldwide become increasingly dissatisfied with the probabilistic complementarity interpretation (Born-Bohr) and eventually offer their own accounts of the theory. By the end of the 20th century two alternative approaches stand out as the best candidates: Both the hidden variables interpretation (de Broglie-Bohm) and the many worlds interpretation (Everett-DeWitt) give compelling descriptions of what the true nature of quantum reality could be. In this paper, a chronological overview of all these events is given, followed by a philosophical analysis of the three aforementioned interpretations. Ultimately it is concluded that the many worlds interpretation should be adopted as the best understanding of the formalism of quantum mechanics and, therefore, should be used in the multiversity textbooks.

The non-relativistic quantum theory has been interpreted causally by de Broglie, David Bohm, and others, where a quantum entity is viewed as a particle with a definite position and momentum. This interpretation contrasts with the Copenhagen orthodox interpretation, which conveys uncertainty through the commutator relationship between position and momentum operators. This is further exacerbated by the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation, which uses no operators corresponding to these observables. We reconcile these opposing viewpoints by introducing mathematical nonlinear transforms in Bohmian mechanics for the momentum observable. While these nonlinear operator-like transforms cannot be easily represented as matrices in the Hilbert space, we show that they can be utilized in the de Broglie-Bohm interpretations of quantum theory.