Ontology of measurement and correlation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the ontology of measurement and correlation in quantum mechanics, specifically regarding non-commuting measurements of quantum properties such as spin. It establishes that when a non-commuting measurement is performed, the wavefunction is prepared, leading to ambiguity about whether the outcome reflects the actual property or merely the prepared state. The conversation emphasizes that while the property may not be real, the correlation between consecutive measurements can be predicted, raising philosophical questions about the nature of reality in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with wavefunction concepts
  • Knowledge of non-commuting operators in quantum theory
  • Basic grasp of Hilbert space and measurement theory
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  • Research the implications of non-commuting measurements in quantum mechanics
  • Study the role of wavefunction preparation in quantum measurements
  • Explore the philosophical interpretations of quantum measurement and reality
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and philosophers of science interested in the foundational aspects of measurement and reality in quantum theory.

entropy1
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If a non-commuting measurement is made on a quantum property (like spin), this can be seen as the wavefunction being prepared. So you can't tell if the outcome represents the property, or that the property is prepared. However, if the property is prepared, we can predict the correlation with a consecutive measurement of the same property.

So my question is if the property is real, or that only the correlation between two measurements is real.
 
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entropy1 said:
If a non-commuting measurement is made
What is a non-commuting measurement? Measurements are not operators in a Hilbert space, commutation makes no sense for them.
 

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