Quantum Realism

Traditionally \1 is used to stand for both the mathematical wavefunction (the representation) and the quantum state (thing in the world). This elision has been elevated to a metaphysical thesis by advocates of wavefunction realism. The aim of Chapter 10 is to challenge the hegemony of the wavefunction by calling attention to a littleknown formulation of quantum theory that does not make use of the wavefunction in representing the quantum state. This approach, called Lagrangian quantum hydrodynamics (LQH), is a full alternative formulation, not an approximation scheme. A consideration of alternative formalisms is essential for any realist project that attempts to read the ontology of a theory off the mathematical formalism. The chapter shows that LQH falsifies the claim that one must represent the many-body quantum state as living in 3n-dimensional configuration space. When exploring quantum realism, regaining sight of the proverbial forest of quantum representations beyond the \1 is just the beginning.

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QUANTUM REALISM: THE INTERPRETATION OF AN INTERPRETATION?

Danish Yearbook of Philosophy ◽

10.1163/24689300_0410105 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 83-91

Author(s):

Jan Faye

Keyword(s):

Quantum Realism

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Pragmatist Quantum Realism

Scientific Realism and the Quantum ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198814979.003.0007 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 123-146

Author(s):

Richard Healey

Keyword(s):

Quantum Theory ◽

Scientific Realism ◽

Healthy Diet ◽

True Story ◽

Quantum Realism ◽

The World

Realism comes in many varieties, in science and elsewhere. Van Fraassen’s influential formulation took scientific realism to include the view that science aims to give us, in its theories, a literally true story of what the world is like. So understood, a quantum realist takes quantum theory to aim at correctly representing the world: many would add that its success justifies believing this representation is more or less correct. But quantum realism has been understood both more narrowly and more broadly. A pragmatist considers use prior to representation and this has prompted some to dub pragmatist views anti-realist, including the view of quantum theory that the author has been developing recently. But whether a pragmatist view of quantum theory should be labeled anti-realist depends not only on its ingredients but also on how that label should be applied. Pragmatism offers a healthy diet of quantum realism.

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