Does the quantum mechanical wave function exist?

• Authors: Claus Kiefer
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

I address the question whether the wave function in quantum theory exists as a real (ontic) quantity or not. For this purpose, I discuss the essentials of the quantum formalism and emphasize the central role of the superposition principle. I then explain the measurement problem and discuss the process of decoherence. Finally, I address the special features that the quantization of gravity brings into the game. From all of this I conclude that the wave function really exists, that is, it is a real (ontic) feature of Nature.

Keywords

EN

wave function; quantum mechanics; ontology; quantum formalism; superposition principle; measurement problem; decoherence; quantum gravity

PL

wave function; quantum mechanics; ontology; quantum formalism; superposition principle; measurement problem; decoherence; quantum gravity

• Publisher: Copernicus Center Press
• Journal: Zagadnienia Filozoficzne w Nauce
• Year: 2019
• Issue: 66
• Pages: 111-128

Dates

published

2019-07-30

Contributors

author

Claus Kiefer