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Interpreting Quantum Mechanics in a Realist Fashion

W. M. Stuckey, Michael Silberstein, Timothy J. McDevitt

Published Jul 26, 2024• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract In Sub-Chapter 9A we explain what makes an interpretation of QM realist and how our interpretation of QM is realist and psi-epistemic. We contrast this with relational quantum mechanics. What is fundamental in our interpretation is 4D quantum–classical contextuality as given by “all-at-once” AGCs.
DOI
10.1093/9780198919698.003.0011

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Abstract In Chapter 9 we answer Zeilinger’s question, “What’s really going on?” concerning how Nature works. In other words, we present an ontology over which the constraints NPRF + h and NPRF + c range and operate. We contrast contextuality with reductionism and relationalism, then discuss relational quantum mechanics. We explain our version of multiscale contextual emergence called quantum-classical contextuality. Accordingly, bodily (classical) objects interact via the exchange of quanta of energy-momentum. NPRF + c constrains the distribution of worldtubes of bodily objects in spacetime while NPRF + h constrains the distribution of quanta exchanged between bodily objects. Thus, NPRF + h is an “all-at-once” or “atemporal” constraint on the distribution of quanta among bodily objects in spacetime. We call such a constraint an adynamical global constraint (AGC). Feynman’s path integral formalism for QM is contrasted with Schrödinger’s equation. We present our Poincaré symmetric ontology.
The main thread of chapter 4 introduces some of the major mysteries and interpretational issues of quantum mechanics (QM). These mysteries and issues include: quantum superposition, quantum nonlocality, Bell’s inequality, entanglement, delayed choice, the measurement problem, and the lack of counterfactual definiteness. All these mysteries and interpretational issues of QM result from dynamical explanation in the mechanical universe and are dispatched using the authors’ adynamical explanation in the block universe, called Relational Blockworld (RBW). A possible link between RBW and quantum information theory is provided. The metaphysical underpinnings of RBW, such as contextual emergence, spatiotemporal ontological contextuality, and adynamical global constraints, are provided in Philosophy of Physics for Chapter 4. That is also where RBW is situated with respect to retrocausal accounts and it is shown that RBW is a realist, psi-epistemic account of QM. All the relevant formalism for this chapter is provided in Foundational Physics for Chapter 4.