Realist Analysis of Six Controversial Quantum Issues

TL;DR

This paper offers a philosophically realistic interpretation of key quantum issues, arguing that quantum physics describes real entities and processes independent of human knowledge, aligning with scientific realism.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive realistic analysis of six controversial quantum issues, supporting the view that quantum theory describes real physical phenomena.

Findings

Quantum physics is consistent with scientific realism.

Measurement and quantum phenomena can be understood as real processes.

Quantum theory describes real quanta like electrons and photons.

Abstract

This paper presents a philosophically realistic analysis of quantization, field-particle duality, superposition, entanglement, nonlocality, and measurement. These are logically related: Realistically understanding measurement depends on realistically understanding superposition, entanglement, and nonlocality; understanding these three depends on understanding field-particle duality and quantization. This paper resolves all six, based on a realistic view of standard quantum physics. It concludes that, for these issues, standard quantum physics is consistent with scientific practice since Copernicus: Nature exists on its own and science's goal is to understand its operating principles, which are independent of humans. Quantum theory need not be regarded as merely the study of what humans can know about the microscopic world, but can instead view it as the study of real quanta such as electrons, photons, and atoms. This position has long been argued by Mario Bunge.