Quantum Theory and Determinism

TL;DR

This paper reviews various interpretations of quantum mechanics, arguing that ontic interpretations like the many-worlds provide a deterministic and local explanation of quantum phenomena, challenging the view of inherent indeterminism.

Contribution

It advocates for ontic interpretations, especially the many-worlds interpretation, as the simplest and clearest way to understand quantum mechanics deterministically.

Findings

Many-worlds interpretation offers a deterministic, local explanation.

Ontic wave function interpretations are simpler and clearer.

Challenges the view that quantum mechanics implies fundamental indeterminism.

Abstract

Historically, appearance of the quantum theory led to a prevailing view that Nature is indeterministic. The arguments for the indeterminism and proposals for indeterministic and deterministic approaches are reviewed. These include collapse theories, Bohmian Mechanics and the many-worlds interpretation. It is argued that ontic interpretations of the quantum wave function provide simpler and clearer physical explanation and that the many-worlds interpretation is the most attractive since it provides a deterministic and local theory for our physical Universe explaining the illusion of randomness and nonlocality in the world we experience.