What is the opposite of realism in quantum mechanics?

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The discussion centers on the concept of realism in quantum mechanics, questioning whether its opposite is anti-realism. Participants note that terms like "local anti-realism" and "local non-realism" yield few search results compared to "non-local realism." The conversation highlights that many interpretations of quantum mechanics challenge traditional notions of realism, suggesting that reality may be context-dependent rather than absolute. It is emphasized that most scientific literature on quantum mechanics does not adopt a realistic interpretation, with Bohmian mechanics being a notable exception. Overall, the dialogue reflects on the philosophical implications of realism and the evolving understanding of reality within quantum mechanics.
  • #31


wuliheron said:
I'm sorry to say I don't know of any interesting up to date works on the subject. Contextualist theories are just beginning to establish themselves and the evidence is still pouring in at a brisk pace. Photosynthesis and animal navigation abilities that apparently can only be explained by room temperature entanglement for example. Physicists are rediscovering the world all over again and often feeling a bit humbled by it being oh so much more complex then they imagined as well as excited at the prospects. Not unlike the transition we went through from Newtonian mechanics to modern physics.

Ok, thanks, wuliheron. I've seen and think I've mentioned this sort of notion in other contexts ((:), but hadn't seen much applied in this one, too.
 
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  • #32


fuzzyfelt said:
Ok, thanks, wuliheron. I've seen and think I've mentioned this sort of notion in other contexts ((:), but hadn't seen much applied in this one, too.

Yeah, it adds new meaning to "quantum weirdness" to assume they are contextual and forces people to re-evaluate their behavior in every context including classical ones.
 
  • #33


Very fascinating thoughts, indeed!
 

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