Bohm's realist interpretation of Quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper discusses Bohm's realist interpretation of quantum mechanics, which introduces hidden variables to provide a causal, deterministic, and realistic view, contrasting with the Copenhagen interpretation's nonlocal and non-causal stance.

Contribution

The paper explains Bohm's theory, highlighting how it maintains classical features like causality and realism through hidden variables and deterministic trajectories.

Findings

Bohm's theory introduces particle positions as hidden variables.

The theory is deterministic and nonlocal.

Measurements can be described without mysticism.

Abstract

A brief account of the world view of classical physics is given first. We then recapitulate as to why the Copenhagen interpretation of the quantum mechanics had to renounce most of the attractive features of the clasical world view such as a causal description, locality, scientific realism and introduce a fundamental distinction between system and apparatus. The crucial role is played in this by the Bohr's insistence on the wavefunction providing the most complete description possible for an even individual system. The alternative of introducing extra dynamical variables, called hidden variables, in addition to the wavefunction of the system so as to be able to retain at least some of the desirable features of classical physics, is then explored. The first such successful attempt was that of Bohm in 1952 who showed that a realistic interpretation of the quantum mechanics can be given which maintains a causal description as well as does not treat systems and measuring appeartus differently. We begin with the construction of the Bohm's theory. He introduces particle positions as the hidden variables. The particle positions play a special role in Bohm theory. The particle trajectories are guided by the wavefunction. The Bohm theory is deterministic. The probability enters through a special assumption, ``quantum equilibrium'' hypothesis, for the initial conditions on the ensemble of particle trajectories. The ``wave or particle'' dilemma is resolved by a ``wave and particle'' resolution. The measurements in Bohm theory can be described without mysticism. Bohm's theory is however nonlocal.