The GRW flash theory: a relativistic quantum ontology of matter in space-time?

TL;DR

This paper explores the GRW flash theory as a relativistic quantum ontology, analyzing its motivation, the role of the wave-function, Lorentz invariance, and physical adequacy.

Contribution

It critically examines the GRW flash ontology's motivation, Lorentz invariance, and physical plausibility, offering insights into its foundational status in quantum theory.

Findings

The ontology is motivated as a realist interpretation of quantum events.

The paper questions the Lorentz invariance of the flash theory.

It assesses the physical adequacy and parsimony of the ontology.

Abstract

John Bell proposed an ontology for the GRW modification of quantum mechanics in terms of flashes occurring at space-time points. The paper spells out the motivation for this ontology, enquires into the status of the wave-function in it, critically examines the claim of its being Lorentz-invariant and considers whether it is a parsimonious, but nevertheless physically adequate ontology.