Forces (Fields) of Nature and Quantum Foundations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the possibility of new forces or fields of nature being connected to quantum foundations, particularly in relation to decoherence and interpretations of quantum mechanics. Participants explore whether such forces should be considered fundamental and how they relate to existing theories and experimental predictions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that new forces or fields could influence quantum decoherence and suggest that these might actualize specific decoherent histories.
  • Others argue that the BM quantum potential should not be classified as a new force or field, as it arises from a reformulation of the standard Schrödinger Equation.
  • A later reply questions whether a proven quantum potential could be considered a force of nature if it is validated by future experiments, while also considering the relationship between forces and gauge symmetry.
  • Some participants assert that all interpretations of quantum mechanics yield the same experimental predictions, implying that any theory making different predictions would not be an interpretation but a distinct theory.
  • There is a request for a list of different theories inspired by the Bohmian interpretation, along with their ability to predict existing quantum experiments and the nature of their additional predictions.
  • One participant notes that summarizing different theories is beyond the scope of the thread and suggests searching the forums or literature for more information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of the BM quantum potential and the implications of future experiments on interpretations of quantum mechanics. There is no consensus on whether new forces or fields should be considered fundamental or how they relate to gauge symmetry.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of forces and fields, the unresolved status of various interpretations of quantum mechanics, and the potential for future theories to make different predictions.

Secan
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Is it possible for new forces or fields of nature to be connected to quantum foundations?

For example, new forces or fields that choose the decoherent histories or branches. Or generally actualize one of the decoherence branches?

Or should new forces or fields of nature be reserved for dynamics in atomic scale, like weak or strong forces or should be gauged fields.

So non gauged forces that *may* affect the quantum decohering dynamics (like the BM quantum potential) shouldn't be called fundamental forces (or fields) of nature?
 
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Secan said:
Is it possible for new forces or fields of nature to be connected to quantum foundations?

What "new forces or fields of nature" are you talking about?

Secan said:
(like the BM quantum potential)

The BM quantum potential is not a "new force or field". It's just what you get when you rewrite the standard Schrödinger Equation in a different way.
 
PeterDonis said:
What "new forces or fields of nature" are you talking about?
The BM quantum potential is not a "new force or field". It's just what you get when you rewrite the standard Schrödinger Equation in a different way.

But if an experiment in future could distinguish a particular interpretation, let's say the BM quantum potential really exists and all quantum theory will be based on it plus explaining new future experiments (that other interpretations couldnt). Then one can consider the proven quantum potential as a force of nature? Or does a force or field of nature is related only to gauge symmetry?
 
Secan said:
if an experiment in future could distinguish a particular interpretation

It can't, since all interpretations of QM make the same predictions for all experimental results.

If you have something that makes different predictions, it's not an interpretation of QM, it's a different theory. Some people have proposed different theories that are inspired by the Bohmian interpretation, but those theories are not the same as the Bohmian interpretation itself.
 
PeterDonis said:
It can't, since all interpretations of QM make the same predictions for all experimental results.

If you have something that makes different predictions, it's not an interpretation of QM, it's a different theory. Some people have proposed different theories that are inspired by the Bohmian interpretation, but those theories are not the same as the Bohmian interpretation itself.

Can anyone give a list of those different theories or give summary of each. Can it also predict all existing quantum experiments? The caveit is it just has more extra predictions, perhaps that can't be tested (or can)?
 
Secan said:
Can anyone give a list of those different theories or give summary of each.

That's way beyond the scope of a single PF thread. You could search these forums to see if any such theories have been discussed, or you could spend time working your way through the physics literature.

Secan said:
Can it also predict all existing quantum experiments? The caveit is it just has more extra predictions, perhaps that can't be tested (or can)?

This will depend on the theory.
 

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