Understanding Quantum Mechanics Through the Complementary Descriptions Approach

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new interpretative approach to quantum mechanics based on an expanded concept of complementarity, aiming to clarify foundational issues by integrating modal interpretations and the notion of faculties.

Contribution

It introduces a novel development of complementarity that enhances understanding of quantum interpretational problems and incorporates the concept of faculties to address objectivity.

Findings

Improved interpretation of quantum holism and reductionism

Resolution of certain interpretational paradoxes

Enhanced conceptual clarity in quantum formalism

Abstract

Niels Bohr introduced the concept of complementarity in order to give a general account of quantum mechanics, however he stressed that the idea of complementarity is related to the general dificulty in the formation of human ideas, inherent in the distinction between subject and object. Earlier, we have introduced a development of the concept of complementarity which constitutes a new approach to the interpretation of quantum mechanics. We argue that this development allows a better understanding of some of the paradigmatic interpretational problems of quantum theory. Within the scheme proposed by modal interpretations we analyze the relation between holism and reductionism as well as the problems proposed by Arntzenius and Clifton. We discuss the problem of presupposing the concept of entity within the quantum formalism and bring into stage the concept of faculty as a way to recover the objective character of quantum mechanics.