Allori, Valia (2012) On the Metaphysics of Quantum Mechanics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

What is quantum mechanics about? The most natural way to interpret quantum mechanics realistically as a theory about the world might seem to be what is called wave function ontology: the view according to which the wave function mathematically
represents in a complete way fundamentally all there is in the world.
We argue that:
• Strictly speaking, it is not possible to interpret quantum theories as theories about the wave function;
• Even if the wave function is supplemented by additional non-ontological structures, there are reasons not to take the resulting theory seriously;
• All quantum theories should be regarded as theories in which physical objects are constituted by a primitive ontology. The primitive ontology is mathematically represented in the theory by a mathematical entity in three-dimensional space, or space-time.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Allori, Valia vallori@niu.edu
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in: S. Le Bihan (ed.), “La philosophie de la physique: d'aujourd'hui a demain.” Editions Vuibert.
Keywords:	quantum mechanics; Bohmian mechanics; Everettian quantum mechanics; GWR theory; primitive ontology; wave function ontology.
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Structure of Theories
Depositing User:	Dr Valia Allori
Date Deposited:	25 Sep 2012 03:27
Last Modified:	25 Sep 2012 03:27
Item ID:	9343
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Structure of Theories
Date:	2012
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9343

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