Was does it mean if one views the wave function as "real"?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the wave function in quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on what it means to consider the wave function as "real." Participants explore the implications of this viewpoint for the physical nature of particles, such as electrons, and whether it suggests a smeared-out existence prior to measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the implications of viewing the wave function as real and whether this confers physical meaning to it.
  • One participant suggests that in the Many-Worlds (MW) interpretation, the wave function being real implies that most of it exists in other worlds.
  • Another participant questions whether viewing the wave function as real means that electrons are considered physically smeared out before measurement.
  • There is a cautionary note regarding the complexity of the "smear" notion and a suggestion to explore the concept of "psi-ontic quantum" for deeper understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the wave function being real, particularly regarding the nature of particles and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity and potential limitations of the "smear" notion, suggesting that further exploration may be necessary to fully understand the implications of viewing the wave function as real.

ajv
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In interpretations where the wave function is real, what does that mean? does it mean that the wave function has physical meaning?
 
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ajv said:
In interpretations where the wave function is real, what does that mean? does it mean that the wave function has physical meaning?
Yes. You can view that as in the MW interpretation where most of the wavefuntion ends up in other worlds.
 
Bruno81 said:
Yes. You can view that as in the MW interpretation where most of the wavefuntion ends up in other worlds.
But about electrons and sub atomic particles? If one says the wave function is real does that mean that they view electrons as physically smeared out prior to measurement?
 
ajv said:
But about electrons and sub atomic particles? If one says the wave function is real does that mean that they view electrons as physically smeared out prior to measurement?

You can, IF you view the wave function as real, but that's a very big "if" (and if you want to dig deeper into this area than is wise you can try googling for "psi-ontic quantum", but don't say you weren't warned).

Be sure to read and understand the replies in your other thread about the limits of this "smear" notion.
 

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