Measurement-based quantum foundations

TL;DR

This paper argues that quantum theory uniquely allows any process to be simulated by local measurements, positioning measurement as a fundamental primitive rather than a complex phenomenon needing dynamical explanation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that quantum theory is the only probabilistic framework enabling arbitrary process emulation through local measurements, challenging traditional views on measurement.

Findings

Quantum theory permits process emulation via local measurements.

Measurement can be regarded as a primitive operation in quantum theory.

Supports the view of measurement as fundamental rather than complex.

Abstract

I show that quantum theory is the only probabilistic framework that permits arbitrary processes to be emulated by sequences of local measurements. This supports the view that, contrary to conventional wisdom, measurement should not be regarded as a complex phenomenon in need of a dynamical explanation but rather as a primitive -- and perhaps the only primitive -- operation of the theory.