Open Problems in Relational Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the Rovelli relational interpretation of quantum mechanics, questioning whether its relational approach truly resolves fundamental interpretative issues and highlighting unresolved problems in understanding quantum phenomena.

Contribution

The paper provides a critical analysis of RQM, especially focusing on the third person problem, and questions the effectiveness of its relational perspective in clarifying quantum mechanics.

Findings

RQM faces unresolved issues regarding observer-independent states.

The third person problem remains a significant challenge for RQM.

Relational approach does not conclusively clarify quantum phenomena.

Abstract

The Rovelli relational interpretation of quantum mechanics (RQM) is based on the assumption according to which the notion of observer-independent state of a physical system is to be rejected. In RQM the primary target of the theory is the analysis of the whole network of relations that may establish among quantum subsystems, and the shift to a relational perspective is supposed to address in a satisfactory way the general problem of the interpretation of quantum mechanics. Here I argue, mainly through an analysis of the so called third person problem, that it is far from clear what a relativization of states to observers exactly achieves and in what sense such an approach really advances our understanding of the peculiar features of quantum phenomena: therefore, in this respect, RQM still faces open problems.