What sort of an experiment can refute QM or QFTs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for experiments to refute Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) and the broader implications of quantum mechanics (QM) versus classical mechanics. Participants explore the nature of quantum theories, the sufficiency of classical mechanics in explaining micro phenomena, and the philosophical implications of observation in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that any experiment demonstrating classical mechanics' sufficiency could refute QFTs.
  • Others argue that classical mechanics being sufficient would imply quantum theory is wrong, but they acknowledge that both could potentially be incorrect.
  • A later reply questions the assumption that most discussions refer to QFT, suggesting non-relativistic QM is sufficient for many domains.
  • Some participants assert that the overwhelming evidence supports quantum theories, making it hard to imagine evidence that could refute them.
  • There is a discussion about the relevance of observers in quantum mechanics, with differing views on whether observation affects the existence of objects like the moon.
  • Some participants reference historical perspectives and foundational questions in quantum mechanics, particularly regarding the measurement problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the sufficiency of classical mechanics versus quantum theories, and the role of observation in quantum mechanics remains a point of contention. The discussion does not reach a consensus on these issues.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding the general framework of quantum theory and the implications of various interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly concerning the measurement problem and the nature of reality.

  • #121
vanhees71 said:
The problem to accept quantum theory for us is that we have to give up determinism.

But Bohmian Mechanics is deterministic.
 
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  • #122
vanhees71 said:
I also cannot explain myself better. The problem to accept quantum theory for us is that we have to give up determinism
physika said:
But Bohmian Mechanics is deterministic.
The determinism of Bohmian Mechanics is mostly in the form of a mathematical model. It is a nice and simple mathematical model, allowing realism even for small closed models. However, those small closed models are still not a good approximation of the small open systems actually relevant in most cases. And if you want to have appropriate randomness over larger time scales, you need to go to bigger and bigger models (not as far as the wavefunction of the universe like MWI, but still not bounded).

On the other hand, for short time scales, Bohmian Mechanics shows that deterministic like behavior is not in contradiction to QM, and that actual discontinuous quantum jumps are not required. (Here I am talking in a mathematical "conservation of difficulty" kind of way.) Which makes sense, because it would be strange if randomness could be conjured up out of thin air exactly in the moment a measurement takes place. Even more so, because it is not even clear what constitutes a measurement, and in which exact moment it takes place.
 
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  • #123
The randomness hypothesis is way overused these days. Students probably get the idea that randomness can creep up into the classical realm.
If the 'randomness' of qm was real, it would likely have led to a non-classical world.
I think even the HUP suggests that we are dealing with the unpredictability of certain qualities, rather than 'randomness'.
A limit to what can be known at tiny scales.
 
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  • #124
Thread closed for moderation.
 
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  • #125
After Mentor review, the thread will remain closed.
 
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