An argument against the realistic interpretation of the wave function

TL;DR

The paper argues that the wave function should not be viewed as a real physical entity, but rather as a computational tool, based on its time-reversal invariance and implications in different interpretations.

Contribution

It provides a philosophical critique of the realistic interpretation of the wave function, emphasizing its role as a bookkeeping device rather than a physical object.

Findings

Time reversal invariance of quantum predictions

Wave function change is inconsistent with realism

Supports interpretation of wave function as a calculation tool

Abstract

Testable predictions of quantum mechanics are invariant under time reversal. But the change of the quantum state in time is not so, neither in the collapse nor in the no-collapse interpretations of the theory. This fact challenges the realistic interpretation of the quantum state. On the other hand, this fact follows easily if we interpret the quantum state as a mere calculation device, bookkeeping past real quantum events. The same conclusion follows from the analysis of the meaning of the wave function in the semiclassical regime.