Why Quantum Theory is Possibly Wrong

TL;DR

This paper critically examines foundational issues in quantum theory, highlighting unresolved problems like measurement and underdetermination, and suggests that quantum theory might be fundamentally incorrect in a realist framework.

Contribution

It analyzes the conflicting implications of realism in quantum theory and proposes that quantum theory may be fundamentally flawed.

Findings

Quantum theory faces unresolved measurement and underdetermination problems.

Realist interpretations conflict with quantum theory's core assumptions.

A possible conclusion is that quantum theory is possibly wrong.

Abstract

Quantum theory is a tremendously successful physical theory, but nevertheless suffers from two serious problems: the measurement problem and the problem of interpretational underdetermination. The latter, however, is largely overlooked as a genuine problem of its own. Both problems concern the doctrine of realism, but pull, quite curiously, into opposite directions. The measurement problem can be captured such that due to scientific realism about quantum theory common sense anti-realism follows, while theory underdetermination usually counts as an argument against scientific realism. I will also consider the more refined distinctions of ontic and epistemic realism and demonstrate that quantum theory in its most viable interpretations conflicts with at least one of the various realism claims. A way out of the conundrum is to come to the bold conclusion that quantum theory is, possibly, wrong (in the realist sense).