Has Quantum Mechanics Solved the Measurement Problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the measurement problem in quantum mechanics (QM), exploring whether it has been resolved and what implications this has for the interpretation of QM as a description of reality. Participants raise questions about the nature of measurement outcomes and the philosophical aspects of QM.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the measurement problem in QM has been addressed or solved, suggesting it remains an ongoing discussion.
  • There is uncertainty about how measurement outcomes can exist without a collapse of the wave function.
  • One participant argues that questions regarding QM's ability to describe reality are philosophical rather than physical, suggesting they may be off-topic.
  • Another participant references a review article discussing the dynamics of finite-dimensional quantum systems and the challenges of equilibration and thermalization in closed quantum systems.
  • Concerns are raised about the vagueness of the original questions posed, with suggestions that more specific inquiries would be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the measurement problem in QM is unresolved and remains a topic of active research. However, there is disagreement on the relevance of certain philosophical questions related to QM's description of reality.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their qualifications to engage deeply with the topic, indicating a potential limitation in the depth of discussion. The conversation also highlights the distinction between physics and philosophical inquiries.

entropy1
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Is the measurement problem in QM addressed and solved by now?

If not, can we speak of QM as a description of reality?

Given the statistical nature of QM, can we say it predicts reality?

What is it that QM addresses?
 
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What research have you done on this topic yourself?

What about it didn't you understand?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
What research have you done on this topic yourself?
Only Leonard Susskind yet. Maybe I will study more.
Vanadium 50 said:
What about it didn't you understand?
I am wondering how there can be measurement outcomes if there is no collapse.
 
You're not helping yourself. You wrote four vague questions ("What is it that QM addresses?" is something textbooks are written on), and when pressed on what you didn't understand, posted a fifth one.

You have to do some work on this.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
You have to do some work on this.
So, there is no simple answer. Except for the answer that nobody knows, I understand. (as PF is another source of my information)

I am not sure if I will study QM in depth for I doubt I am able. So it seems I am not qualified to ask the kind of questions I did.

Topic may be closed if no one has any contribution to make to it.
 
Last edited:
entropy1 said:
Is the measurement problem in QM addressed and solved by now?

Nope, it is an on-going discussion.
 
entropy1 said:
Is the measurement problem in QM addressed and solved by now?

StevieTNZ said:
Nope, it is an on-going discussion.
This is from the review article cited below
The dynamics of finite dimensional quantum system, as described in the previous section, is recurrent [99-103] and time reversal invariant. Hence, genuine equilibration in the sense [..] that entropy can only grow over time is impossible.

It makes one wonder why they are still trying to do the impossible. Unitary time-reversible evolution is NOT what is driving the dynamics.

Equilibration, thermalisation, and the emergence of statistical mechanics in closed quantum systems

Christian Gogolin and Jens Eisert
 
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entropy1 said:
Is the measurement problem in QM addressed and solved by now?

No. As @StevieTNZ said, it's an ongoing area of research.

entropy1 said:
If not, can we speak of QM as a description of reality?

Given the statistical nature of QM, can we say it predicts reality?

These questions aren't questions about physics, since "reality" is not a physics term, it's a philosophy (or metaphysics, if you like) term. So they're off topic here.

entropy1 said:
What is it that QM addresses?

This question is way too general for a PF thread.
 
The OP has been sufficiently addressed. Thread closed.
 

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