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The Distribution Postulate in Algorithmic Bohmian Mechanics

Barrett, Jeffrey A. and Chen, Eddy Keming and Lopez-Wild, Josiah (2026) The Distribution Postulate in Algorithmic Bohmian Mechanics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In order to make the right empirical predictions Bohmian mechanics requires a special statistical boundary condition---the distribution postulate---but it is unclear how best to understand this condition. We show how one might use the theory of algorithmic randomness to formulate the distribution postulate as an objective constraining law. The framework requires us to say something about admissible quantum-mechanical states and measurements. In return, algorithmic Bohmian mechanics (aBM) guarantees the standard Born statistics for a collection of canonical quantum experiments in the limit, not just with high probability. The algorithmic distribution postulate provides a sharp typicality condition, clarifies the status of quantum probabilities in the deterministic theory, and provides a concrete example of how notions provided by the theory of algorithmic randomness can aid in specifying the content of a physical law.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Barrett, Jeffrey A.j.barrett@uci.edu
Chen, Eddy Kemingeddykemingchen@ucsd.edu0000-0001-5144-0952
Lopez-Wild, Josiahjosiah.lopezwild@gmail.com0009-0000-4847-4481
Keywords: Bohmian mechanics, algorithmic randomness, Martin–L\"of randomness, typicality, objective chance, probabilistic laws
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Computer Science
General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism
General Issues > Laws of Nature
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Depositing User: Dr. Eddy Keming Chen
Date Deposited: 15 Jun 2026 16:04
Last Modified: 15 Jun 2026 16:04
Item ID: 30176
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Computer Science
General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism
General Issues > Laws of Nature
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Date: 14 June 2026
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/30176

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