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An Indeterminacy-based Local Approach and Ontology for Quantum Theory

Francisco Pipa

Published Jan 1, 2024• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

In this dissertation, I propose two frameworks to address some important scientific and philosophical issues with quantum theory (QT). First, I propose Environmental Determinacy-based Quantum Theory (EnDQT) and argue that contrary to the other well-known quantum theories, it has the great benefit of being a local, non-relational, and non-superdeterministic/non-retrocausal "interpretation" of quantum theory, or quantum theory (QT). EnDQT has the benefit of being conservative, not modifying the fundamental equations of QT, and, in principle, allowing arbitrary systems to be placed in a coherent superposition for an arbitrary amount of time. Also, EnDQT is able to give a local causal explanation of quantum correlations. Via EnDQT, I also argue that i) QT is local in the sense of not being in conflict with relativity but without the need to adopt a relationalist, a superdeterminist, or a retrocausal approach. I also argue that ii) the notorious measurement problem can be addressed without modifying the quantum formalism, adding hidden variables, or adopting relationalism. Second, I propose Generative Quantum Theory (GQT) as a new ontology for quantum theories and show how it can be implemented via GRW, the MWI and single-world relationalist views, Bohmian Mechanics, hybrid classical-quantum theories, and EnDQT. I also distinguish it from the most discussed ontologies for quantum theories, namely, wavefunction realism and primitive ontology, and argue that it has certain benefits that they lack without some of their costs, such as non-locality. Due to the overall benefits of GQT compared with these widely debated ontological frameworks, and given that GQT, contrary to these frameworks, considers the wavefunction more like a predictor and that quantum indeterminacy plays an important explanatory role, I will argue that iii) the wavefunction is more like a predictor for different possibilities rather than a law or a field in a multidimensional space, and that iv) quantum indeterminacy plays a key explanatory role instead of a derivative role in order to understand QT.

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I present and defend a new ontology for quantum theories (or ``interpretations'' of quantum theory) called Generative Quantum Theory (GQT). GQT postulates different sets of features, and the combination of these different features can help generate different quantum theories. Furthermore, this ontology makes quantum indeterminacy and determinacy play an important explanatory role in accounting for when quantum systems whose values of their properties are indeterminate become determinate. The process via which determinate values arise varies between the different quantum theories. Moreover, quantum states represent quantum properties and structures that give rise to determinacy, and each quantum theory specifies a structure with certain features. I will focus on the following quantum theories: GRW, the Many-Worlds Interpretation, single-world relationalist theories such as Relational Quantum Mechanics, Bohmian Mechanics, hybrid classical-quantum theories, and Environmental Determinacy-based (EnD) Quantum Theory. I will argue that GQT should be taken seriously because it provides a series of important benefits that current widely discussed ontologies lack, namely, wave function realism and primitive ontology, without some of their costs. For instance, it helps generate quantum theories that are compatible with relativistic causality, such as EnD Quantum Theory. Also, GQT has the benefit of providing new ways to compare and evaluate quantum theories, which may lead to philosophical and scientific progress.

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I propose a novel interpretation of quantum theory, which I will call Environmental Determinacy-based (EnDQT). In contrast to the well-known interpretations of quantum theory, EnDQT has the benefit of not adding non-local, superdeterministic, or retrocausal hidden variables. Also, it is not in tension with relativistic causality by providing a local causal explanation of quantum correlations. Furthermore, measurement outcomes don't vary according to, for example, systems or worlds. It is a conservative QT in the sense that, unlike theories such as spontaneous collapse theories, no modifications of the fundamental equations of quantum theory are required to establish when determinate values arise. Moreover, in principle, arbitrary systems can be in a coherent superposition for an arbitrary amount of time. According to EnDQT, at a certain stage of the evolution of the universe, some systems acquire the capacity to have and give rise to other systems having determinate values through an indeterministic process. Furthermore, this capacity propagates via local interactions between systems. When systems are isolated from others that have this capacity, they can, in principle, evolve unitarily indefinitely. EnDQT may provide payoffs to other areas of physics and their foundations, such as cosmology, via the features of the systems that start the chains of interactions.

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It has been claimed that quantum mechanics is a non-local theory, i.e., that the predictions of quantum mechanics are at odds with a conception of the world where all the interactions are mediated by local mechanisms. The cited reason is the violation of the Bell inequality in cases where measurements are performed on quantum systems of particles that have interacted in the past. Quantum mechanics predicts that the state of the particles in such a system are correlated, a result obtained from considering a thought-experiment often known as EPR. In this thesis, I will argue that the violation of the Bell inequality in EPR forces us to either accept that causes sometimes act both backwards and forwards in time, or give up some widely-held assumptions about causal relations or the role of causal explanations. First, I will present three principles regarding causality that I take be widely accepted. I will then present the background for the claim the quantum mechanics is a non-local theory, and discuss the implications of non-local causal influences in light of the Special Theory of Relativity. One argument against a causal explanation of the EPR-correlations will be discussed, and different models for the causal structure of EPR will be assessed. I will argue that a retrocausal model – models that include instances of retrocausation, where the direction of causation is the opposite of the direction of time – is the only viable option if we want to uphold the three principles presented in chapter 1. I will discuss the plausibility of rejecting one of these principles, and argue that at least one of the can be restricted in a way that still accounts for our commitment to it. Finally, I will assess the non-local models against the retrocausal models, and argue that a retrocausal model offers interpretational advantages over the non-local alternatives.

•Jan 1, 2017•0 citations
In this dissertation, I propose two frameworks to address some important scientific and philosophical issues with quantum theory (QT). First, I propose Environmental Determinacy-based Quantum Theory (EnDQT) and argue that contrary to the other well-known quantum theories, it has the great benefit of being a local, non-relational, and non-superdeterministic/non-retrocausal "interpretation" of quantum theory, or quantum theory (QT). EnDQT has the benefit of being conservative, not modifying the fundamental equations of QT, and, in principle, allowing arbitrary systems to be placed in a coherent superposition for an arbitrary amount of time. Also, EnDQT is able to give a local causal explanation of quantum correlations. Via EnDQT, I also argue that i) QT is local in the sense of not being in conflict with relativity but without the need to adopt a relationalist, a superdeterminist, or a retrocausal approach. I also argue that ii) the notorious measurement problem can be addressed without modifying the quantum formalism, adding hidden variables, or adopting relationalism. Second, I propose Generative Quantum Theory (GQT) as a new ontology for quantum theories and show how it can be implemented via GRW, the MWI and single-world relationalist views, Bohmian Mechanics, hybrid classical-quantum theories, and EnDQT. I also distinguish it from the most discussed ontologies for quantum theories, namely, wavefunction realism and primitive ontology, and argue that it has certain benefits that they lack without some of their costs, such as non-locality. Due to the overall benefits of GQT compared with these widely debated ontological frameworks, and given that GQT, contrary to these frameworks, considers the wavefunction more like a predictor and that quantum indeterminacy plays an important explanatory role, I will argue that iii) the wavefunction is more like a predictor for different possibilities rather than a law or a field in a multidimensional space, and that iv) quantum indeterminacy plays a key explanatory role instead of a derivative role in order to understand QT.
I present and defend a new ontology for quantum theories (or ``interpretations'' of quantum theory) called Generative Quantum Theory (GQT). GQT postulates different sets of features, and the combination of these different features can help generate different quantum theories. Furthermore, this ontology makes quantum indeterminacy and determinacy play an important explanatory role in accounting for when quantum systems whose values of their properties are indeterminate become determinate. The process via which determinate values arise varies between the different quantum theories. Moreover, quantum states represent quantum properties and structures that give rise to determinacy, and each quantum theory specifies a structure with certain features. I will focus on the following quantum theories: GRW, the Many-Worlds Interpretation, single-world relationalist theories such as Relational Quantum Mechanics, Bohmian Mechanics, hybrid classical-quantum theories, and Environmental Determinacy-based (EnD) Quantum Theory. I will argue that GQT should be taken seriously because it provides a series of important benefits that current widely discussed ontologies lack, namely, wave function realism and primitive ontology, without some of their costs. For instance, it helps generate quantum theories that are compatible with relativistic causality, such as EnD Quantum Theory. Also, GQT has the benefit of providing new ways to compare and evaluate quantum theories, which may lead to philosophical and scientific progress.
I propose a novel interpretation of quantum theory, which I will call Environmental Determinacy-based (EnDQT). In contrast to the well-known interpretations of quantum theory, EnDQT has the benefit of not adding non-local, superdeterministic, or retrocausal hidden variables. Also, it is not in tension with relativistic causality by providing a local causal explanation of quantum correlations. Furthermore, measurement outcomes don't vary according to, for example, systems or worlds. It is a conservative QT in the sense that, unlike theories such as spontaneous collapse theories, no modifications of the fundamental equations of quantum theory are required to establish when determinate values arise. Moreover, in principle, arbitrary systems can be in a coherent superposition for an arbitrary amount of time. According to EnDQT, at a certain stage of the evolution of the universe, some systems acquire the capacity to have and give rise to other systems having determinate values through an indeterministic process. Furthermore, this capacity propagates via local interactions between systems. When systems are isolated from others that have this capacity, they can, in principle, evolve unitarily indefinitely. EnDQT may provide payoffs to other areas of physics and their foundations, such as cosmology, via the features of the systems that start the chains of interactions.
The received view in foundations and philosophy of physics holds that if we reject supplementing quantum theory (QT) with certain hidden variables and consider that unitary QT is correct and universal, we should adopt a relationalist interpretation of QT. Relationalist interpretations relativize measurement outcomes to, for example, worlds, systems, agents, or reference frames. It includes the Many-Worlds Interpretation, Relational Quantum Mechanics, and QBism. These interpretations have potential costs connected with their relationalism that make them unattractive. Thus, if there exists a non-relational non-hidden variable universal intepretations of QT, it should be taken seriously. I will present an interpretation of this kind called Environmental Determinacy-based or EnD Quantum Theory (EnDQT), which goes beyond relationalism and the received view. EnDQT circumvents relationalism by constructing an account of indeterminate and determinate values and underlying quantum properties that is not relational while maintaining unitary non-hidden variable universal QT. In situations where a relationalist assumes that measurement outcomes are relativized, such as in the extended Wigner's friend scenarios, according to EnDQT there aren't determinate outcomes but systems with non-relational indeterminate values. In this approach, determinate values arose at some point in time through certain systems and persist due to them via certain interactions represented by certain networks. When there is isolation from the rest of the systems that belong to these networks, such as inside the friend's lab in the extended Wigner's friend scenarios, indeterminate values non-relationally arise inside. I will discuss other independent good reasons for adopting EnDQT, including providing a local causal explanation of Bell correlations and novel empirical posits represented by these networks.
Abstract Of the many ways of getting at the core of the weirdnesses in quantum mechanics, there’s one which traces back to Schrödinger’s seminal 1935 paper, and has to do with the apparent fuzzy nature of the reality described by the formalism through the wavefunction ψ\psiψ ψ . This issue, which I will be calling the Determinacy Problem, is distinct from the standard measurement problem of quantum mechanics, despite Schrödinger himself ends up conflating the two. I will argue that the Determinacy Problem is an exquisitely philosophical problem, for as it is standard when facing any phenomenon which appears to have indeterminate or fuzzy characteristics, the solutions available are to either blame the deficiencies of our language, or our lack of knowledge, or to blame the world itself. These three attitudes can already be found in the literature on quantum mechanics, either explicitly or implicitly, and they appear to motivate three very distinct research programs: high-dimensional realism, primitive ontology, and quantum indeterminacy.
The dissertation investigates some relevant metaphysical issues arising in the context of spacetime theories. In particular, the inquiry focuses on general relativity and canonical quantum gravity. A formal definition of spacetime theory is proposed and, against this framework, an analysis of the notions of general covariance, symmetry and background independence is performed. It is argued that many conceptual issues in general relativity and canonical quantum gravity derive from putting excessive emphasis on general covariance as an ontological prin-ciple. An original metaphysical position grounded in scientific essential- ism and causal realism (weak essentialism) is developed and defended. It is argued that, in the context of general relativity, weak essentialism supports spacetime substantivalism. It is also shown that weak essentialism escapes arguments from metaphysical underdetermination by positing a particular kind of causation, dubbed geometric. The proposed interpretive framework is then applied to Bohmian mechanics, pointing out that weak essentialism nicely fits into this theory. In the end, a possible Bohmian implementation of loop quantum gravity is considered, and such a Bohmian approach is interpreted in a geometric causal fashion. Under this interpretation, Bohmian loop quantum gravity straightforwardly commits us to an ontology of elementary extensions of space whose evolution is described by a non-local law. The causal mechanism underlying this evolution clarifies many conceptual issues related to the emergence of classical spacetime from the quantum regime. Although there is as yet no fully worked out physical theory of quantum gravity, it is argued that the proposed approach sets up a standard that proposals for a serious ontology in this field should meet.
It has been claimed that quantum mechanics is a non-local theory, i.e., that the predictions of quantum mechanics are at odds with a conception of the world where all the interactions are mediated by local mechanisms. The cited reason is the violation of the Bell inequality in cases where measurements are performed on quantum systems of particles that have interacted in the past. Quantum mechanics predicts that the state of the particles in such a system are correlated, a result obtained from considering a thought-experiment often known as EPR. In this thesis, I will argue that the violation of the Bell inequality in EPR forces us to either accept that causes sometimes act both backwards and forwards in time, or give up some widely-held assumptions about causal relations or the role of causal explanations. First, I will present three principles regarding causality that I take be widely accepted. I will then present the background for the claim the quantum mechanics is a non-local theory, and discuss the implications of non-local causal influences in light of the Special Theory of Relativity. One argument against a causal explanation of the EPR-correlations will be discussed, and different models for the causal structure of EPR will be assessed. I will argue that a retrocausal model – models that include instances of retrocausation, where the direction of causation is the opposite of the direction of time – is the only viable option if we want to uphold the three principles presented in chapter 1. I will discuss the plausibility of rejecting one of these principles, and argue that at least one of the can be restricted in a way that still accounts for our commitment to it. Finally, I will assess the non-local models against the retrocausal models, and argue that a retrocausal model offers interpretational advantages over the non-local alternatives.