Summary It has been shown that orthodox probability theory may consistently be extended to include probability numbers outside the conventional range, and in particular negative probabilities. Random variables are correspondingly generalized to include extraordiary random variables; these have been defined in general, however, only through their characteristic functions. This generalized theory implies redundancy, and its use is a matter of convenience. Eddington(3) has employed it in this sense to introduce a correction to the fluctuation in number of particles within a given volume. Negative probabilities must always be combined with positive ones to give an ordinary probability before a physical interpretation is admissible. This suggests that where negative probabilities have appeared spontaneously in quantum theory it is due to the mathematical segregation of systems or states which physically only exist in combination.
Summary It has been shown that orthodox probability theory may consistently be extended to include probability numbers outside the conventional range, and in particular negative probabilities. Random variables are correspondingly generalized to include extraordiary random variables; these have been defined in general, however, only through their characteristic functions. This generalized theory implies redundancy, and its use is a matter of convenience. Eddington(3) has employed it in this sense to introduce a correction to the fluctuation in number of particles within a given volume. Negative probabilities must always be combined with positive ones to give an ordinary probability before a physical interpretation is admissible. This suggests that where negative probabilities have appeared spontaneously in quantum theory it is due to the mathematical segregation of systems or states which physically only exist in combination.
There are important problems in physics related to the concept of probability. One of these problems is related to negative probabilities used in physics from 1930s. In spite of many demonstrations of usefulness of negative probabilities, physicists looked at them with suspicion trying to avoid this new concept in their theories. The main question that has bothered physicists is mathematical grounding and interpretation of negative probabilities. In this paper, we introduce extended probability as a probability function, which can take both positive and negative values. Defining extended probabilities in an axiomatic way, we show that classical probability is a positive section of extended probability.
Negative probability has found diverse applications in theoretical physics. Thus, construction of sound and rigorous mathematical foundations for negative probability is important for physics. There are different axiomatizations of conventional probability. So, it is natural that negative probability also has different axiomatic frameworks. In the previous publications (Burgin, 2009; 2010), negative probability was mathematically formalized and rigorously interpreted in the context of extended probability. In this work, the axiomatic system that synthesizes conventional probability and negative probability is constructed in the form of combined probability. In a mathematically rigorous way, both theoretical concepts - combined probability and extended probability - stretch conventional probability so that it can takes negative values. After introducing axioms for combined probability, we study its properties, as well as relations to extended probability and conventional probability.
As currently understood since its discovery, the bare Klein-Gordon theory consists of negative quantum probabilities which are considered to be physically meaningless if not outright obsolete. Despite this annoying setback, these negative probabilities are what led the great Paul Dirac in 1928 to the esoteric discovery of the Dirac Equation. The Dirac Equation led to one of the greatest advances in our understanding of the physical world. In this reading, we ask the seemingly senseless question, “Do negative probabilities exist in quantum mechanics?” In an effort to answer this question, we arrive at the conclusion that depending on the choice one makes of the quantum probability current, one will obtain negative probabilities. We thus propose a new quantum probability current of the Klein-Gordon theory. This quantum probability current leads directly to positive definite quantum probabilities. Because these negative probabilities are in the bare Klein-Gordon theory, intrinsically a result of negative energies, the fact that we here arrive at a theory with positive probabilities, means that negative energy particles are not to be considered problematic as is the case in the bare Klein-Gordon theory. From an abstract—objective stand-point; in comparison with positive energy particles, the corollary is that negative energy particles should have equal chances to exist. As to why these negative energy particles do not exist, this is analogous to asking why is it that Dirac’s antimatter does not exist in equal proportions with matter. This problem of why negative energy particles do not exist in equal proportions with positive energy particles is a problem that needs to be solved by a future theory.
A historical review and philosophical look at the introduction of “negative probability” as well as “complex probability” is suggested. The generalization of “probability” is forced by mathematical models in physical or technical disciplines. Initially, they are involved only as an auxiliary tool to complement mathematical models to the completeness to corresponding operations. Rewards, they acquire ontological status, especially in quantum mechanics and its formulation as a natural information theory as “quantum information” after the experimental confirmation the phenomena of “entanglement”. Philosophical interpretations appear. A generalization of them is suggested: ontologically, they correspond to a relevant generalization to the relation of a part and its whole where the whole is a subset of the part rather than vice versa. The structure of “vector space” is involved necessarily in order to differ the part “by itself” from it in relation to the whole as a projection within it. That difference is reflected in the new dimension of vector space both mathematically and conceptually. Then, “negative or complex probability” are interpreted as a quantity corresponding the generalized case where the part can be “bigger” than the whole, and it is represented only partly in general within the whole.
As currently understood since its discovery, the bare Klein-Gordon theory consists of negative quantum probabilities which are considered to be physically meaningless if not outright obsolete. Despite this annoying setback, these negative probabilities are what led the great Paul Dirac in 1928 to the esoteric discovery of the Dirac equation. The Dirac equation led to one of the greatest advances in our understanding of the physical World. In this reading, we ask the seemingly senseless question, �Do negative probabilities exist in quantum mechanics?��. In an effort to answer this question, we arrive at the conclusion that depending on the choice one makes of the quantum probability current, one will obtain negative probabilities. We thus propose a new quantum probability current of the Klein-Gordon theory. This quantum probability current leads directly to positive definite quantum probabilities. Because these negative probabilities are in the bare Klein-Gordon theory, intrinsically a result of negative energies, the fact that we-here arrive at a theory with positive probabilities, it means that negative energy particles are not to be considered problematic as is the case in the bare Klein-Gordon theory. From an abstract-objective stand-point; in comparison with positive energy particles, the corollary is that negative energy particles should have equal chances to exist. As to why these negative energy particles do not exist, this is redolent to asking why is it that Dirac�s antimatter does not exist in equal proportions with matter. This problem of why negative energy particles not exist in equal proportions with positive energy particles is a problem that needs to be solved by a future theory.
A historical review and philosophical look at the introduction of “negative probability” as well as “complex probability” is suggested. The generalization of “probability” is forced by mathematical models in physical or technical disciplines. Initially, they are involved only as an auxiliary tool to complement mathematical models to the completeness to corresponding operations. Rewards, they acquire ontological status, especially in quantum mechanics and its formulation as a natural information theory as “quantum information” after the experimental confirmation the phenomena of “entanglement”. Philosophical interpretations appear. A generalization of them is suggested: ontologically, they correspond to a relevant generalization to the relation of a part and its whole where the whole is a subset of the part rather than vice versa. The structure of “vector space” is involved necessarily in order to differ the part “by itself” from it in relation to the whole as a projection within it. That difference is reflected in the new dimension of vector space both mathematically and conceptually. Then, “negative or complex probability” are interpreted as a quantity corresponding the generalized case where the part can be “bigger” than the whole, and it is represented only partly in general within the whole.