Quantum mechanics is random in nature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of randomness in quantum mechanics, specifically questioning whether quantum phenomena are purely random and what constitutes proof of such randomness. Participants explore definitions of randomness, implications of measurement, and the potential existence of hidden variables.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the sources claiming quantum mechanics is purely random, emphasizing the importance of specificity in these claims.
  • There is a discussion on what is meant by "purely random," with references to wavefunction collapse and the inability to predict measurement outcomes.
  • One participant suggests that randomness might be defined as "uncaused" and questions whether the mathematics of quantum mechanics dictates that collapse outcomes lack physical causes.
  • Another participant notes that while quantum mechanics appears random, there could be deeper underlying theories that might not involve randomness.
  • Some argue that the common viewpoint is that quantum mechanics represents a world of random events without known causes, while others suggest that this view could change with future evidence.
  • There is a contention regarding the existence of evidence for randomness in quantum mechanics, with one participant asserting that there is substantial evidence for randomness and none for hidden causes, while another challenges this assertion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of randomness in quantum mechanics, with no consensus reached. Some believe there is strong evidence for randomness, while others question the absence of underlying causes and suggest that non-randomness has not been ruled out.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of defining randomness and the implications of measurement in quantum mechanics. It also reflects the ongoing debate about the existence of hidden variables and the interpretation of quantum phenomena.

  • #181
vanhees71 said:
Come on! This is really an ageold discussion answered by modern QT clearly being wrong. You have only probability distributions for position and momentum!

You cannot have simultaneous canonically conjugate position and momentum, but that does not rule out a trajectory. A person who says the moon is there when he is not looking at it is a closet Bohmian.
 
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  • #182
DrChinese said:
No, it doesn't. It is silent on that point, and I can't imagine what relevance that is to this thread. It is only INTERPRETATIONS of QM that have anything to say about randomness.

No it really does! That's one of the main points about Bell's theorem - under the operational view, it guarantees randomness - and randomness is the subject of this thread.
 
  • #183
What has Bohmian mechanics to do with that? I think, we should stop the discussion here. I admit, I shouldn't have gotten involved again.
 
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  • #185
atyy said:
Here is how Bell's theorem can guarantee randomness https://arxiv.org/abs/0911.3427

Sorry, that reference has nothing to do with your assertion (beyond a casual reading of the title). I would challenge you to provide a suitable source that says that Bell's Theorem guarantees the world is - or is not - random. Short of that, it is time for you to drop this line, as it represents personal speculation on your part.

It is clear that any Bohmian would assert that Bohmian mechanics is viable and explains randomness in observations. Whether you agree with that or not, it is also clear that all suitable observations of quantum behavior demonstrate what appears to be random behavior. So we gain nothing past this.
 
  • #186
DrChinese said:
Sorry, that reference has nothing to do with your assertion (beyond a casual reading of the title). I would challenge you to provide a suitable source that says that Bell's Theorem guarantees the world is - or is not - random. Short of that, it is time for you to drop this line, as it represents personal speculation on your part.

It is a theorem, not my personal speculation.
 
  • #187
atyy said:
It is a theorem, not my personal speculation.

Please: what is that theorem and where is it published in peer reviewed literature?
 
  • #188
DrChinese said:
Please: what is that theorem and where is it published in peer reviewed literature?

Read the reference. And stop distorting what I am saying.
 
  • #189
atyy said:
1. Read the reference.

2. And stop distorting what I am saying.

1. The reference is unsuitable, and saying "read it" is ridiculous when you can quote whatever you think supports your assertion.

Other theorems are other theorems. Really not much to discuss about that. And there are no other theorems, the reference included, that proves whether there is or is not randomness in nature. What we have to tell us about that is observation, which clearly supports randomness in nature. But there are counter-interpretations that are viable.

If you will not support your assertions with suitable references, you can probably predict the next appropriate step. Your line of reasoning has derailed meaningful discussion of this topic.2. You are stating your position clearly, and it is incorrect. Bell is silent about the role of randomness in quantum mechanics. There is nothing in the accepted literature that says otherwise.
 
  • #190
DrChinese said:
1. The reference is unsuitable, and saying "read it" is ridiculous when you can quote whatever you think supports your assertion.

Other theorems are other theorems. Really not much to discuss about that. And there are no other theorems, the reference included, that proves whether there is or is not randomness in nature. What we have to tell us about that is observation, which clearly supports randomness in nature. But there are counter-interpretations that are viable.

If you will not support your assertions with suitable references, you can probably predict the next appropriate step. Your line of reasoning has derailed meaningful discussion of this topic.2. You are stating your position clearly, and it is incorrect. Bell is silent about the role of randomness in quantum mechanics. There is nothing in the accepted literature that says otherwise.

Stop distorting my position! I have said that if we take the operational view of quantum mechanics, Bell's theorem does guarantee randomness.

The reference I provided is suitable.
 
  • #191
Thread locked, pending moderation.
 

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