Another 100 Years of Quantum Interpretation?
Abstract
Interpretation is not the only way to explain a theory's success, form and features, and nor is it the only way to solve problems we see with a theory. This can also be done by giving a reductive explanation of the theory, by reference to a newer, more accurate, and/or more fundamental theory. We are seeking a theory of quantum gravity, a more fundamental theory than both quantum mechanics and general relativity, yet, while this theory is supposed to explain general relativity, it's not typically been thought to be necessary, or able, to explain quantum mechanics -- a task instead assigned to interpretation. Here, I question why this is. I also present a new way of assessing the various interpretations of quantum mechanics, in terms of their heuristic and unificatory potential in helping us find a more fundamental theory.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2512.14315,
title = {Another 100 Years of Quantum Interpretation?},
author = {Karen Crowther},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2512.14315},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
An edited version is to appear in: How to Understand Quantum Mechanics - 100 Years of Ongoing Interpretation, edited by Lars-G\"oran Johansson and Jan Faye