Quantum theory as plausible reasoning applied to data obtained by robust experiments

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum theory can be derived from logical inference applied to robust experimental data, showing it as a form of plausible reasoning rather than a fundamental physical postulate.

Contribution

It establishes that quantum descriptions emerge naturally from logical inference applied to independent, reproducible experimental data without assuming quantum theory beforehand.

Findings

Quantum theory can be derived from logical inference principles.

Quantum equations arise from data robustness and independence assumptions.

Quantum formalism reflects plausible reasoning applied to experimental data.

Abstract

We review recent work that employs the framework of logical inference to establish a bridge between data gathered through experiments and their objective description in terms of human-made concepts. It is shown that logical inference applied to experiments for which the observed events are independent and for which the frequency distribution of these events is robust with respect to small changes of the conditions under which experiments are carried out yields, without introducing any concept of quantum theory, the quantum theoretical description in terms of the Schr\"odinger or the Pauli equation, the Stern-Gerlach or Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm experiments. The extraordinary descriptive power of quantum theory then follows from the fact that it is plausible reasoning, that is common sense, applied to reproducible and robust experimental data.