About a possible path towards the reverse engineering of quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper explores foundational questions in quantum mechanics, proposing that alternative interpretations involving hidden variables and interconnected concepts could open new paths for understanding and developing quantum theory.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective linking Einstein's critiques and hidden variables theories, suggesting a new approach to quantum foundations and potential microscopic quantisation.

Findings

Probabilistic interpretation arises from evolution equations and conservation laws.

Hidden variables theories can coexist with probabilistic views under certain models.

Interconnection of critiques may facilitate new research directions in quantum foundations.

Abstract

An out of the box intellectual path exploring the foundations of quantum mechanics is discussed in some detail, in order to clarify why a possibly different way to look at the relevant fundamental questions can be identified and can support further research. Two key concepts arise. (1) Einstein critics to quantum mechanics could be taken seriously, but ironically, in order to really do so, one would have to take seriously also some of Lorentz critics to special relativity - both in a possibly more modern way; such interconnection possibly having been a blocking factor to openly discuss some of the cross implications of alternative views about quantum mechanics to date. (2) The probabilistic interpretation is a by-product of (a) quantum evolution equations, (b) conservation laws for the combination of measuring system and measured object and (c) persistency of calibration of the measuring system - as such there is no intellectual conflict whatsoever between hidden variables theories and probabilistic interpretation, provided we consider multicomponent hidden variable models and we allow for the existence of an underlying network. The implications of such concepts, in particular for the development of a microscopic quantisation program, are heuristically discussed or preliminarily explored.