Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:quant-ph/0301024

Objectivism and Irreversibility in Quantum Mechanics

Takuya Okabe

Published Jan 7, 2003• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

A hypothetical formulation of quantum mechanics is presented so as to reconcile it with macro-realism. On the analogy drawn from thermodynamics, an objective description of wave packet reduction is postulated, in which a characteristic energy scale and a time scale are introduced to separate the quantum and classical conceptions.
DOI
10.48550/arxiv.quant-ph/0301024

Related papers

On the principles of quantum mechanics and the reduction of the wave packet

Roger Balian

The principles of quantum mechanics are reviewed in a form where the concept of state appears both more transparent and more general than in current textbooks. The so-called reduction of the wave packet is then derived from some of these principles (such as the compatibility of commuting observables and the fact that a variance cannot be negative), instead of being posed as a separate postulate.

American Journal of Physics•Nov 1, 1989•22 citations

Reduction and Explanation

Simon Friederich

One of the defining aspects of the epistemic conception of quantum states is that it conceives of quantum states as non-descriptive. In this section, I consider the criticism that any non-descriptive reading of quantum states entails an unattractive ontological quantum/classical divide. This divide is supposed to separate a realm of classical macro-objects, which are susceptible to descriptions in terms of classical concepts, from a realm of quantum micro-objects, for which no descriptive account can be given at all.

Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks•Jan 1, 2015•0 citations

How to (Un-) Quantum Mechanics

C. Baumgarten

When compared to quantum mechanics, classical mechanics is often depicted in a specific metaphysical flavour: spatio-temporal realism or a Newtonian "background" is presented as an intrinsic fundamental classical presumption. However, the Hamiltonian formulation of classical analytical mechanics is based on abstract generalized coordinates and momenta: It is a mathematical rather than a philosophical framework. If the metaphysical assumptions ascribed to classical mechanics are dropped, then there exists a presentation in which little of the purported difference between quantum and classical mechanics remains. This presentation allows to derive the mathematics of relativistic quantum mechanics on the basis of a purely classical Hamiltonian phase space picture. It is shown that a spatio-temporal description is not a condition for but a consequence of objectivity. It requires no postulates. This is achieved by evading spatial notions and assuming nothing but time translation invariance.

arXiv:1810.06981•Oct 12, 2018•2 citations

On consistency of quantum theory and macroscopic objectivity

L. Lanz, Bassano Vacchini, O. Melsheimer

We argue that the consistency problem between quantum theory and macroscopic objectivity must be placed inside a quantum description of macroscopic non-equilibrium systems. Resorting to thermodynamic concepts inside quantum field theory seems to be necessary.

Quantum Information and Computation•Dec 1, 2004•1 citation

Macro-objectivation: a challenge in quantum field theory

L. Lanz

Thermodynamics of irreversible processes is taken as the phenomenological starting point for the description of macroscopic systems in quantum mechanics and state parameters, which are amenable to be attributed an objective meaning, are introduced inside non relativistic quantum field theory when the macroscopic system is locally at equilibrium. Conditions for these state parameters to obey a deterministic time evolution are indicated and discussed. The formalism is developed also considering the case of more component systems and bound states. The situation in which the deterministic dynamics of the state parameters breaks down is also envisaged and it is argued that in this case a stochastic generalisation of the theory is called for. First attempts in this direction are outlined, naturally leading to a rooting of the concept of microsystem inside both quantum theory and an objective phenomenological context.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 2006•0 citations

Quantum Mechanics in Terms of Realism

Arthur Jabs

.We expound an alternative to the Copenhagen interpretation of the formalism of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. The basic difference is that the new interpretation is formulated in the language of epistemological realism. The ψ function is no longer interpreted as a probability amplitude of the observed behaviour of elementary particles but as an objective physical field representing the particles themselves. The particles are thus extended objects whose extension varies in time according to the variation of ψ. They are considered as fundamental regions of space with some kind of nonlocality. There is no wave-particle duality. The point-particle-like behaviour is explained by spatial contraction in a deterministic reduction process.

arXiv:quant-ph/9606017•Jun 17, 1996•0 citations
One of the defining aspects of the epistemic conception of quantum states is that it conceives of quantum states as non-descriptive. In this section, I consider the criticism that any non-descriptive reading of quantum states entails an unattractive ontological quantum/classical divide. This divide is supposed to separate a realm of classical macro-objects, which are susceptible to descriptions in terms of classical concepts, from a realm of quantum micro-objects, for which no descriptive account can be given at all.
When compared to quantum mechanics, classical mechanics is often depicted in a specific metaphysical flavour: spatio-temporal realism or a Newtonian "background" is presented as an intrinsic fundamental classical presumption. However, the Hamiltonian formulation of classical analytical mechanics is based on abstract generalized coordinates and momenta: It is a mathematical rather than a philosophical framework. If the metaphysical assumptions ascribed to classical mechanics are dropped, then there exists a presentation in which little of the purported difference between quantum and classical mechanics remains. This presentation allows to derive the mathematics of relativistic quantum mechanics on the basis of a purely classical Hamiltonian phase space picture. It is shown that a spatio-temporal description is not a condition for but a consequence of objectivity. It requires no postulates. This is achieved by evading spatial notions and assuming nothing but time translation invariance.
Thermodynamics of irreversible processes is taken as the phenomenological starting point for the description of macroscopic systems in quantum mechanics and state parameters, which are amenable to be attributed an objective meaning, are introduced inside non relativistic quantum field theory when the macroscopic system is locally at equilibrium. Conditions for these state parameters to obey a deterministic time evolution are indicated and discussed. The formalism is developed also considering the case of more component systems and bound states. The situation in which the deterministic dynamics of the state parameters breaks down is also envisaged and it is argued that in this case a stochastic generalisation of the theory is called for. First attempts in this direction are outlined, naturally leading to a rooting of the concept of microsystem inside both quantum theory and an objective phenomenological context.
.We expound an alternative to the Copenhagen interpretation of the formalism of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. The basic difference is that the new interpretation is formulated in the language of epistemological realism. The ψ function is no longer interpreted as a probability amplitude of the observed behaviour of elementary particles but as an objective physical field representing the particles themselves. The particles are thus extended objects whose extension varies in time according to the variation of ψ. They are considered as fundamental regions of space with some kind of nonlocality. There is no wave-particle duality. The point-particle-like behaviour is explained by spatial contraction in a deterministic reduction process.