Mathematical Properties of Dynamic Systems and the Foundations of Quantum Theory
Eric Tesse
While it is widely acknowledged that quantum theory is strange, and that the world view it implies is elusive, there is considerably less consensus as to why this is the case. This article will explore the possibility that the theory may be opaque because the mathematical language it employs is inarticulate. To address this possibility, three interconnected mathematical theories will be developed, each specifically designed to handle aspects of quantum theory's subject matter. The first will describe dynamic systems in terms that are general enough to be applicable to any kind dynamics, including both classical and quantum. That description will then be used to construct a theory of experiments, with the aim of understanding what types of experiments scientific methodology allows. Finally, the theory of experiments will found a theory of experimental probabilities applicable to any collection of experiments, so long as their probabilities are internally consistent. The resulting over-arching mathematical language will then be applied to quantum theory. In the initial application, it will be used to explain the core nature and structure of quantum measurement and probability. Following that, it will be used to explore quantum theory's models. Like any theory written in a mathematical language, quantum theory derives its meaning from its class of models. To understand the class quantum models, two models of central importance will be described. The first will be a conceptually simple construction that follows almost immediately from the above theory of dynamics. It fully satisfies both quantum theory and the above mentioned theory of experimentation; additionally, its macroscopic objects obey classical mechanics. The second will utilize a minimal amount of mathematical structure to satisfy the same conditions.
arXiv:1106.2751•Jun 11, 2011•0 citations