Challenge to Bohmian mechanics by Sharoglazova et al, Nature, 2025

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a paper by Sharoglazova et al. that challenges Bohmian mechanics through an exploration of the energy-speed relationship of quantum particles. Participants express skepticism about the paper's claims and discuss the implications for the equivalence of Bohmian mechanics and standard quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the correctness of the Sharoglazova et al. paper, noting that Bohmian mechanics is generally understood to yield predictions similar to those of quantum mechanics.
  • A participant mentions submitting a comment to Nature and an arXiv paper that critiques the equations used by Sharoglazova et al., arguing that they are not standard Schrödinger equations and that this affects the associated Bohmian velocity.
  • There is a discussion about the relevance of popular science videos, specifically one by Hossenfelder, with participants debating whether such sources should be included in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express skepticism about the claims made in the Sharoglazova et al. paper, indicating a lack of consensus on its correctness. There are competing views regarding the interpretation of Bohmian mechanics and the implications of the new paper.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the equations presented in the paper may not align with standard formulations, which introduces uncertainty about the validity of the claims made. The discussion also reflects differing opinions on the appropriateness of referencing popular science content in academic discussions.

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Energy–speed relationship of quantum particles challenges Bohmian mechanics.
Sharoglazova V, Puplauskis M, Mattschas C, Toebes C, Klaers J.
Nature 643, 67–72 (2025)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09099-4

Is this paper correct? I am skeptical because my understanding was that Bohmian mechanics gives essentially the same predictions as quantum mechanics.
 
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Yesterday I have submitted a "Comment" (in Nature it is called Matters Arising) to Nature related to this paper. Today I have also submitted it to arXiv, it should appear on arXiv tomorrow or on Monday. The catch is that their equations (2)-(3) that describe their wave functions are not standard Schrödinger equations, because they describe a coupling between wave functions. Consequently, as I explain in my paper, the Bohmian velocity associated with such wave functions differs from the usual one. You will see the details when my paper appears on arXiv.
 
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Morbert said:
Hossenfelder has put out a video on the paper
Which should not be used as a reference in this discussion, since we already have papers on both sides of the argument. Accordingly, this post has been deleted.
 
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PeterDonis said:
Which should not be used as a reference in this discussion, since we already have papers on both sides of the argument. Accordingly, this post has been deleted.
It was not used as a reference in this discussion. It was an aside, showing the issue had reached popularizers. Sabine's videos are regularly and consistently posted on these forums, not as an authority on the matter.
 
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Morbert said:
It was not used as a reference in this discussion. It was an aside, showing the issue had reached popularizers.
While that's not uninteresting, it's still off topic, since it's a pop science source.

Morbert said:
Sabine's videos are regularly and consistently posted on these forums
That's true. But...

Morbert said:
not as an authority on the matter.
...that's not. Most people post her videos as a basis for discussion, to ask questions about whether what she's saying in the video is justified by the actual science. (And quite often the answer is no, or at least that there are serious reservations.) You've agreed you're not doing that here, which means the video is off topic.
 
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atyy said:
Energy–speed relationship of quantum particles challenges Bohmian mechanics.
Sharoglazova V, Puplauskis M, Mattschas C, Toebes C, Klaers J.
Nature 643, 67–72 (2025)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09099-4

Is this paper correct? I am skeptical because my understanding was that Bohmian mechanics gives essentially the same predictions as quantum mechanics.
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/26230/
 
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