Is the Quantum World Composed of Propensitons?

TL;DR

This paper proposes a propensiton version of quantum theory (PQT), a micro-realistic, empirically testable alternative to orthodox quantum theory that addresses foundational issues and aligns with Einstein's earlier ideas.

Contribution

It introduces PQT as a novel, realistic interpretation of quantum mechanics that recovers empirical success and offers testable predictions, contrasting with traditional views.

Findings

PQT recovers all empirical successes of OQT.

PQT is empirically testable with two proposed experiments.

PQT offers a natural solution to the wave/particle problem.

Abstract

In this paper I outline my propensiton version of quantum theory (PQT). PQT is a fully micro-realistic version of quantum theory that provides us with a very natural possible solution to the fundamental wave/particle problem, and is free of the severe defects of orthodox quantum theory (OQT) as a result. PQT makes sense of the quantum world. PQT recovers all the empirical success of OQT and is, furthermore, empirically testable (although not as yet tested). I argue that Einstein almost put forward this version of quantum theory in 1916/17 in his papers on spontaneous and induced radiative transitions, but retreated from doing so because he disliked the probabilistic character of the idea. Subsequently, the idea was overlooked because debates about quantum theory polarised into the Bohr/Heisenberg camp, which argued for the abandonment of realism and determinism, and the Einstein/Schr\"odinger camp, which argued for the retention of realism and determinism, no one, as a result, pursuing the most obvious option of retaining realism but abandoning determinism. It is this third, overlooked option that leads to PQT. PQT has implications for quantum field theory, the standard model, string theory, and cosmology. The really important point, however, is that it is experimentally testable. I indicate two experiments in principle capable of deciding between PQT and OQT.