Quantum mechanics as a deterministic theory of a continuum of worlds

DOI10.1007/S40509-015-0046-6zbMATH Open1327.81009arXiv1410.5653OpenAlexW3106522574MaRDI QIDQ498159FDOQ498159

Authors: Kim Joris Boström 

Publication date: 25 September 2015

Published in: Quantum Studies: Mathematics and Foundations (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: A non-relativistic quantum mechanical theory is proposed that describes the universe as a continuum of worlds whose mutual interference gives rise to quantum phenomena. A logical framework is introduced to properly deal with propositions about objects in a multiplicity of worlds. In this logical framework, the continuum of worlds is treated in analogy to the continuum of time points, both "time" and "world" are considered as mutually independent modes of existence. The theory combines elements of Bohmian mechanics and of Everett's many-worlds interpretation, it has a clear ontology and a set of precisely defined postulates from where the predictions of standard quantum mechanics can be derived. Probability as given by the Born rule emerges as a consequence of insufficient knowledge of observers about which world it is that they live in. The theory describes a continuum of worlds rather than a single world or a discrete set of worlds, so it is similar in spirit to many-worlds interpretations based on Everett's approach, without being actually reducible to these. In particular, there is no splitting of worlds, which is a typical feature of Everett-type theories. Altogether, the theory explains (1) the subjective occurrence of probabilities, (2) their quantitative value as given by the Born rule, and (3) the apparently random "collapse of the wavefunction" caused by the measurement, while still being an objectively deterministic theory.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1410.5653

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zbMATH Keywords

foundations of quantum mechanicsBohmian mechanicscontinuous substanceintepretation of quantum mechanicsmany-worlds theorymode of existence

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

General and philosophical questions in quantum theory (81P05) Quantum measurement theory, state operations, state preparations (81P15)

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Cited In (9)

• Making sense of Born's rule \(p_\alpha =\Vert \varPsi_\alpha \Vert^2\) with the many-minds interpretation
• Electron charge density: a clue from quantum chemistry for quantum foundations
• Title not available (Why is that?)
• Epistemic uncertainty from an averaged Hamilton-Jacobi formalism
• Who plays dice? Subjective uncertainty in deterministic quantum world
• Constructing and constraining wave functions for identical quantum particles
• A conjecture concerning determinism, reduction, and measurement in quantum mechanics
• Quantum theory and determinism
• Quantum evolution as a usual mechanical motion of peculiar continua

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