The primitive ontology of quantum physics: guidelines for an assessment of the proposals

TL;DR

This paper evaluates primitive ontology theories of quantum physics, such as Bohmian mechanics and GRW variants, using criteria like coherence, empirical adequacy, and explanatory power, concluding Bohmian mechanics offers superior explanations of quantum non-locality.

Contribution

It provides a systematic assessment framework for primitive ontology theories and compares their explanatory capabilities regarding quantum non-locality.

Findings

Bohmian mechanics better explains quantum non-locality.

Stock objections to these theories are not well-founded.

The assessment clarifies the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.

Abstract

The paper seeks to make progress from stating primitive ontology theories of quantum physics, notably Bohmian mechanics, the GRW matter density theory and the GRW flash theory, to assessing these theories. Four criteria are set out: (a) internal coherence; (b) empirical adequacy; (c) relationship to other theories; (d) explanatory value. The paper argues that the stock objections against these theories do not withstand scrutiny. Its focus then is on their explanatory value: they pursue different strategies to ground the textbook formalism of quantum mechanics, and they develop different explanations of quantum non-locality. In conclusion, it is argued that Bohmian mechanics offers a better prospect for making quantum non-locality intelligible than the GRW matter density theory and the GRW flash theory.