The Contextual Character of Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper explores the contextual nature of quantum mechanics through modal interpretations, analyzing their historical development, theoretical framework, and implications of the Kochen-Specker theorem.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive characterization of modal interpretations and examines their relation to foundational theorems in quantum mechanics.

Findings

Modal interpretations are inherently contextual.

Historical links to Born and Heisenberg are established.

Kochen-Specker theorem impacts modal interpretations.

Abstract

In this article we discuss the contextual character of quantum mechanics in the framework of modal interpretations. We investigate its historical origin and relate contemporary modal interpretations to those proposed by M. Born and W. Heisenberg. We present then a general characterization of what we consider to be a modal interpretation. Following previous papers in which we have introduced modalities in the Kochen-Specker theorem, we investigate the consequences of these theorems in relation to the modal interpretations of quantum mechanics.