The interpretation of quantum mechanics and of probability: Identical role of the 'observer'

TL;DR

This paper argues that the roles of the observer in quantum mechanics and probability are fundamentally similar, with probability always linked to an observing system, clarifying aspects of the Copenhagen interpretation and related theories.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the interpretation of probability within von Mises' frequency theory inherently involves an observer, unifying the understanding of the observer's role in quantum mechanics.

Findings

Probability always refers to an observing system

Reinterprets relational quantum mechanics results

Questions premises of subjective quantum probabilities

Abstract

The aim of the article is to argue that the interpretations of quantum mechanics and of probability are much closer than usually thought. Indeed, a detailed analysis of the concept of probability (within the standard frequency theory of R. von Mises) reveals that the latter concept always refers to an observing system. The enigmatic role of the observer in the Copenhagen interpretation therefore derives from a precise understanding of probability. Besides explaining several elements of the Copenhagen interpretation, our model also allows to reinterpret recent results from 'relational quantum mechanics', and to question the premises of the 'subjective approach to quantum probabilities'.