On the Interpretation of Measurement within the Quantum Theory

H. D. Zeh

Wan Xiao-long

B.C.Van Fraassen's interpretative theory of quantum measurement is not only the core of his philosophy of quantum mechanics, but also the theoretical foundation in his philosophy of science, constructive experimentalism. In this article, the author introduces Van Fraassen's thought from three aspects: the general interpretation theory of science, the interpretation problems in quantum mechanics, and the modal interpretation of quantum measurement.

Cini

Where is the problem? by J.M. Levy-Leblond Experiment and quantum measurement theory by A. Zeilinger A consistent interpretation of quantum mechanics. The measurement process in the individual interpretation of quantum mechanics by H. Primas Principle of stationarity in the action functional and the theory of measurement by R. Fukuda Quantum (statistical) mechanics, measurement and information by R. Balian State vector collapse as a classical statistical effect of measurement by M. Cini and M. Serva Consecutive quantum measurements by A. Peres No-collapse versions of quantum mechanics by Y. Ben-Dov An attempt to understand the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory by E.J. Squires Uncertainty and measurement by P.T. Landsberg Author Index

Bernard d’Espagnat

Geoffrey L. Sewell

Carlos López

Many different interpretations of the Quantum Theory have appeared over the one hundred years since its first formulation.The paper presents a detailed physical analysis of the process of quantum measurement, which is crucial in the development of a sound interpretation of the theory.The process of quantum measurement can be decomposed into three elementary steps, and the projection of state (or collapse of the wave function) is applied at the last step, the reading of the result of measurement by an observer.This determines a crystal clear simplest interpretation of the process and the alternative interpretation, supported by many interpretations of the theory, is obviously much more complex, so that Ockham's razor can be applied.Once this is established, a corresponding interpretation of the quantum state follows.We discuss some important issues as the superposition of states (or Schrodinger cat states), the wave particle duality and the non-local process associated to entanglement.In conclusion, many of the proposed interpretations of Quantum Mechanics appeared along the last decades can be firmly rejected, but there are open questions.