Quantum Mechanics and the Nature of Determinism

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the complexities of quantum mechanics, particularly the behavior of particles and the implications of the uncertainty principle. Participants explore whether particles can "jump" in and out of objects and the nature of their position and momentum, emphasizing that these properties are not defined until measured. The conversation highlights the distinction between classical and quantum interpretations, particularly the Copenhagen interpretation and Bohmian mechanics, asserting that quantum particles do not follow classical trajectories but instead exist in a probabilistic framework until observation occurs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly the uncertainty principle.
  • Familiarity with wave functions and their role in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of different interpretations of quantum mechanics, including the Copenhagen interpretation and Bohmian mechanics.
  • Basic grasp of particle behavior in quantum systems, including superposition and measurement effects.
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  • Research the implications of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics.
  • Study the differences between the Copenhagen interpretation and Bohmian mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of wave function evolution and its significance in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the role of measurement in defining particle properties in quantum systems.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on quantum mechanics, theoretical physicists, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of quantum behavior.

  • #31
The Dagda said:
I agree but I was talking more broadly. Thus the confusion, of course in experiment the model is perfectly deterministic given the assumption that the wave is real, that does not lead to the conclusion though that QM is deterministic, that is an unknown.

If that is all that matters to you then you have MWI, and are no doubt happy with its conclusions, however not everyone agrees that this means QM is fundamentally deterministic nor does there seem to be experimentally any indication that it isn't "random" or at least ill defined. If you actually look up the definition of deterministic, probability is not the least of your concerns.

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you're saying or what the premise of your argument is. You seem to be mistaken in believing that stage 1 deterministic time evolution demands MWI by itself. This assuredly is not the case, and is only an interpretation of the quantum formalism. Of course measurement outcomes are probalistic, but the pre-measurement probability distribution evovles in a perfectly deterministic manner in any interpretational framework. The philosophy of quantum mechanics is without a doubt an exceedingly complex and counter-intuitive endeavor, but I think you're getting hung up on a non-problem.
 

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