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Dirac's Philosophical Principles

Jean Louis Van Belle

Published Jun 1, 2019• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

This paper examines Paul Dirac’s assumptions and principles in the introduction to his Principles of Quantum Mechanics as part of a larger logical, philosophical and epistemological reflection on why a realist interpretation of quantum mechanics would or would not be possible.

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Although Dirac rarely participated in the interpretational debates over quantum theory, it is traditionally assumed that his views were aligned with Heisenberg and Bohr in the so-called Copenhagen-Göttingen camp. However, an unpublished—and apparently unknown—lecture of Dirac's reveals that this view is mistaken; in the famous debate between Einstein and Bohr, Dirac sided with Einstein. Surprisingly, Dirac believed that quantum mechanics was not complete, that the uncertainty principle would not survive in the future physics, and that a deterministic description of the microworld would be recovered. In this paper I show how we can make sense of this unpublished lecture in the context of Dirac's broader philosophy of quantum mechanics, and how our present understanding of Dirac's philosophical views must be revised.
Quantum mechanics is an exemplary case of something that calls for critical philosophical reflection. One philosophical path is to seek a logic or ontology for quantum theory, another is to understand quantum mechanics by examining how and why physicists were pushed into developing it, and still another is to construe laboratory measurements of quantum phenomena not as connected with beliefs about types of real or irreal objects but as actions that produce experiences, and the quantum formalism as a guide for anticipating future such experiences.
Quantum mechanics, a cornerstone of modern physics, elucidates the behavior of particles at the most fundamental level. This paper delves into the foundational aspects and diverse interpretations of quantum mechanics, shedding light on its enigmatic principles and implications. Beginning with a comprehensive overview of the mathematical framework underlying quantum mechanics, including wave functions, operators, and probabilistic interpretations, the study explores key foundational principles such as superposition, uncertainty, and entanglement. Moreover, it critically examines various interpretations of quantum mechanics, including the Copenhagen interpretation, many-worlds interpretation, and pilot-wave theory, elucidating their philosophical underpinnings and empirical consequences. Through a synthesis of theoretical analysis and empirical evidence, this paper navigates the intricate landscape of quantum mechanics, offering insights into its profound implications for our understanding of reality.
The epistemological interpretation of quantum mechanics is still in an unacceptable status. This becomes obvious if looking on the variety of interpretations currently under discussion. However, the physical community together with philosophers seem not to be willing to really face the problem and to find an explanation for the oddness of the foundation of nature, as the mathematical treatment of quantum physics can be judged as finished and perfect for the use. The epistemology of quantum physics is often treated as a negligible side effect, not worth to put effort in, as any outcome will not affect the calculation results at all. For the sake of human curiosity and to get a better understanding of the universe we are living in, this attitude should be changed. A possibly interesting new approach is outlined in this article, which may help to adjust the focus.