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Quantum Mechanics: Statistical Balance Prompts Caution in Assessing Conceptual Implications

Drummond, Brian (2022) Quantum Mechanics: Statistical Balance Prompts Caution in Assessing Conceptual Implications. Entropy, 24 (11). p. 1537. ISSN 1099-4300

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Abstract

Throughout quantum mechanics there is statistical balance, in the collective response of an ensemble of systems to differing measurement types. Statistical balance is a core feature of quantum mechanics, underlying quantum mechanical states, and not yet explained. The concept of “statistical balance” is here explored, comparing its meaning since 2019 with its original meaning in 2001. Statistical balance now refers to a feature of contexts in which: (a) there is a prescribed probability other than 0 or 1 for the collective response of an ensemble to one measurement type; and (b) the collective response of the same ensemble to another measurement type demonstrates that no well-defined value can be attributed, for the property relevant to the original measurement type, to individual members of the ensemble. In some unexplained way, the outcomes of single runs of a measurement of the original type “balance” each other to give an overall result in line with the prescribed probability. Unexplained statistical balance prompts caution in assessing the conceptual implications of entanglement, measurement, uncertainty, and two-slit and Bell-type analyses. Physicists have a responsibility to the wider population to be conceptually precise about quantum mechanics, and to make clear that many possible conceptual implications are uncertain.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Drummond, Briandrummond.work@phonecoop.coop0000-0002-1565-6542
Keywords: quantum mechanics; statistical balance; measurement; conceptual implications; ensemble; entanglement; uncertainty; two-slit; Bell; responsibility
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Rhetoric of Science
General Issues > Science and Society
Depositing User: Mr Brian Drummond
Date Deposited: 27 Oct 2022 14:07
Last Modified: 27 Oct 2022 14:07
Item ID: 21322
Journal or Publication Title: Entropy
Publisher: MDPI
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/e24111537
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.3390/e24111537
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Rhetoric of Science
General Issues > Science and Society
Date: 26 October 2022
Page Range: p. 1537
Volume: 24
Number: 11
ISSN: 1099-4300
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21322

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