Graduate Weinberg on the measurement problem

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Steven Weinberg critiques the realist and instrumentalist approaches to quantum mechanics, finding both unsatisfactory in addressing the measurement problem. A proposed framework, "Bohmian mechanics for instrumentalists," aims to reconcile these perspectives while incorporating the role of consciousness in quantum mechanics, as highlighted by Eugene Wigner. The discussion raises questions about the nature of reality and consciousness, suggesting that physics may not adequately address these philosophical issues. Participants debate the implications of measurement outcomes and the necessity of manually updating wavefunctions post-measurement, emphasizing the probabilistic nature of quantum theory. The conversation underscores the complexity of merging empirical facts with philosophical interpretations in understanding quantum mechanics.
  • #61
vanhees71 said:
In the standard interpretation you trace out all details which are not resolved. You can do quantum statistics and quantum-many-body theory in the standard formulation very well and straight-forwardly.
My question was about the total system. What does the fact that the environment considered in total still has interference terms mean in the minimal statistical interpretation?
 
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  • #62
It means that, if you could resolve enough microscopic details you should be able to observe the corresponding interference terms, but it's tough to get such details measured. There are, however, some examples, where macroscopic systems show quantum behavior, like two diamonds with entangled phonon modes.
 

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