A. Neumaier's interpretation of quantum mechanics.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around A. Neumaier's interpretation of quantum mechanics, exploring its implications, particularly regarding particle nonlocality and the nature of quantum fields. Participants seek to understand the theoretical framework and its consistency with experimental practices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in understanding Neumaier's interpretation and its implications for quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant proposes that particle nonlocality can be explained by denying particles any ontological existence, suggesting that quantum fields are the true entities, with locality preserved at the field level.
  • This participant argues that nonlocal features arise only when imposing a particle interpretation on quantum fields, which may not hold at higher resolutions.
  • The same participant references local Maxwell equations as a means to explain single photon nonlocality and suggests that local quantum field theory (QFT) can account for general particle nonlocality.
  • The participant introduces their thermal interpretation of quantum mechanics, claiming it aligns with experimental practices and avoids the strangeness of traditional interpretations, though they acknowledge the need for further analysis and a statistical mechanics derivation to support their arguments.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the information provided and indicates a willingness to engage with the materials shared.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present a consensus, as participants express differing views on the nature of quantum mechanics and the implications of Neumaier's interpretation. Multiple competing perspectives remain regarding the interpretation of particle nonlocality and the role of quantum fields.

Contextual Notes

Some claims made by participants depend on specific interpretations of quantum mechanics and may involve unresolved assumptions about the nature of particles and fields. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives without definitive conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly those exploring nonlocality and the foundational aspects of quantum field theory, may find this discussion relevant.

ImaLooser
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I'd like to find out more about A. Neumaier's interpretation of quantum mechanics.

How?
 
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ImaLooser said:
I'd like to find out more about A. Neumaier's interpretation of quantum mechanics.

How?

In my view, particle nonlocality is explained by negating particles any ontological existence. Existent are quantum fields, and on the quantum field level, everything is local. Nonlocal features appear only when one is imposing on the fields a particle interpretation, which, while valid under the usual assumptions of geometric optics, fails drastically art higher resolution. Thus nothing needs to be explained in the region of failure. Just as the local Maxwell equations for a classical electromagnetic field explain single photon nonlocality (double slit experiments), and the stochastic Maxwell equations explain everything about single photons (see http://arnold-neumaier.at/ms/optslides.pdf), so local QFT explains general particle nonlocality.

My thermal interpretation of quantum mechanics (see the section http://arnold-neumaier.at/physfaq/topics/found0.html from my theoretical physics FAQ at http://arnold-neumaier.at/physfaq/physics-faq.html, and Chapter 10 of my book http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/0810.1019) gives a view of physics consistent with actual experimental practice and without any of the strangeness introduced by the usual interpretations. I believe this interpretation to be satisfactory in all respects, though it requires more time and effort (than I have at present) to analyse the standard conundrums along these lines, with a clear statistical mechanics derivation to support my so far mainly qualitative arguments.

See also the PhysicsForums thread
''What does the probabilistic interpretation of QM claim?''
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=480072
 
Thank you very much. It is more than I expected. I've downloaded the materials. I feel that there is some hope I can get the idea, given sufficient effort.
 

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