The discussion revolves around the distinction between the "standard" and "realist" views in quantum mechanics, exploring the philosophical and methodological implications of each approach. Participants examine how these views relate to theoretical physics and the interpretation of quantum mechanics, touching on the nature of equations, predictions, and the ontology of physical theories.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the relevance or clarity of the distinctions between the standard and realist approaches. Multiple competing views remain, with ongoing debate about the implications and interpretations of each perspective.
Participants highlight limitations in defining the origins of equations and the implications of different interpretations of quantum mechanics. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions and uncertainties regarding the nature of physical theories and their ontological commitments.
Astronomers don't really talk about such unobserved things. Perhaps astrophysicists do, and when they do they do it with a grain of salt, but astronomers don't. One way to frame such questions is to ask what would another observer beyond the horizon observe, if she was there?Quantum Waver said:In a broader sense, what about when astronomers talk about the larger universe outside our light cone, or the physics inside a black hole?
One poster in another thread claimed that microphysical objects were non-mathematical (not describable by math, ie wavefunction isn't real). I think they were a QBist. I would put it differently. Quanta aren't particles (classically speaking), they're waves in fields, so their values are spread out until a measurement is made (observationally speaking at least). But whatever the case, something real on the fundamental level gives rise to devices, measurements, observers and makes the formalism work.physika said:Right.
just Counterfactual Definiteness, not to be real or not.
or there have to say; is unreal but exist...
Couldn't agree more!Quantum Waver said:Quanta aren't particles (classically speaking), they're waves in fields, so their values are spread out until a measurement is made