The quantum state should be interpreted statistically

TL;DR

The paper argues that the proof against statistical interpretations of quantum mechanics relies on unjustified assumptions, and that a natural statistical interpretation remains valid, supporting the view that quantum mechanics is fundamentally about measurement outcomes.

Contribution

It challenges the assumptions of the Pusey-Barrett-Rudolph proof, showing that dropping hidden variable realism allows a consistent statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Findings

The proof assumes hidden variable realism, which is not necessary.

A natural statistical interpretation explains quantum paradoxes.

Quantum mechanics can be understood through measurement outcomes without hidden variables.

Abstract

In a recent paper (arXiv:1111.3328), Pusey, Barrett and Rudolph claim to prove that statistical interpretations of quantum mechanics do not work. In fact, their proof assumes that all statistical interpretations must be based on hidden variable realism. Effectively, the authors demand from the start that reality must be decided by mathematics, and not by measurements. If this unjustified assumption is dropped, the quantum formalism has a natural statistical interpretation that fully explains the paradox presented by the authors. It is therefore possible to conclude that the paradox actually supports the statistical interpretation, demonstrating once more that quantum mechanics should not be explained by measurement independent realities that are never observed and therefore lie beyond the reach of empirical tests.