English

Quantum Theory Needs (And Probably Has) Real Reduction

Quantum Physics 2023-05-09 v2 History and Philosophy of Physics

Abstract

The traditional, standard approach to quantum theory is to assume that the theory ``really'' contains only unitary physical dynamics--i.e., that the only physically quantifiable evolution is that given by the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. This leads to two distinct classes of interpretations for the standard theory in its orthodox form: (i) an Everettian-type approach assuming that all mutually exclusive outcomes occur in different ``branches'' of the universe; or (ii) single-outcome approaches that assume a ``projection postulate'' (PP) with no accompanying physical account within quantum theory. A contrasting, unorthodox approach is to suggest forms of quantum theory that involve physical non-unitarity; these are called ``objective collapse models.'' Among these are Penrose's theory of gravitation-induced collapse and the Transactional Interpretation. The primary focus of this paper is an example demonstrating that standard quantum theory (with or without the projection postulate) can in-principle yield empirically consequential inconsistencies. Thus, it appears that for quantum theory to be viable in a realist sense (as opposed to being an instrumentalist protocol in which inconsistencies are evaded by changing the protocol), it must possess genuine, physical non-unitarity yielding well-defined single outcomes. This leads to the conclusion that objective collapse models should be more seriously considered.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2304.10649,
  title  = {Quantum Theory Needs (And Probably Has) Real Reduction},
  author = {R. E. Kastner},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2304.10649},
  year   = {2023}
}

Comments

Invited contribution to a special issue of Interdisciplinary Science Reviews in honor of Sir Roger Penrose. In this version, a few new references and a few minor presentation adjustments

R2 v1 2026-06-28T10:13:07.720Z