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Cambridge University Press eBooks

Introduction

Ruth E. Kastner

Published Apr 22, 2022• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This chapter serves as an elementary introduction to the basic quantum puzzles such as the measurement problem, indeterminacy, nonlocality, entanglement, and ambiguity surrounding the projection postulate. It briefly reviews the standard extant interpretations such as the Copenhagen interpretation, many-worlds interpretation, and hidden variables interpretation, and introduces the idea that quantum theory is about a new metaphysical category: physical possibility or res potentia .

DOI
10.1017/9781108907538.002

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This chapter serves as an elementary introduction to the basic quantum puzzles such as the measurement problem, indeterminacy, nonlocality, entanglement, and ambiguity surrounding the projection postulate. It briefly reviews the standard extant interpretations such as the Copenhagen interpretation, many-worlds interpretation, and hidden variables interpretation, and introduces the idea that quantum theory is about a new metaphysical category: physical possibility or res potentia .
Quantum physics confronts contemporary metaphysicians with a fascinating and frustrating puzzle. It appears to be telling us something novel and surprising about the nature of the physical world, but it is hard to pin down exactly what it tells us. Hidden variable theories constitute a second major class of solutions to the measurement problem. They differ from the standard theory and spontaneous collapse theories in eschewing collapse altogether; according to hidden variable theories, the wavefunction always evolves according to the Schrodinger equation. The simplest and most radical response to the measurement problem is to assert that standard quantum mechanics without wavefunction collapse constitutes a complete physical theory. The many worlds theory is more flexible in this regard; according to the standard contemporary version, no presupposition is made concerning precisely which physical properties form the basis of measurement results. There are several approaches to quantum mechanics, any or none of which might yield an acceptable physical theory.
Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.
Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement, and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.
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.
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book reviews classical physical and quantum theories for nonspecialists, building on the basics to introduce recent advances. A definition of physical is included for specialists also to consider. The book analyzes quantum theory interpretations, revealing a developmental progression from the standard, many-worlds, decoherence/consistent histories, quantum probability, quantum information field, and transactional interpretations to neorealism. It outlines a new holistic interpretation of quantum theory; of major significance is the subtle concept of levels of spacetime. The book considers loop quantum gravity, string, inflationary big bang, and unified field theories. The diverse interpretations are in large part due to focusing on the observed as the only reality: the process of observing and the observer were practically ignored.