A minimalist's view of quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper presents a minimalist interpretation of quantum mechanics, viewing it solely as a probabilistic tool for observations, dismissing wave function collapse as semantic, and analyzing phenomena like weak values and delayed quantum eraser.

Contribution

It introduces a minimalist perspective where quantum theory is a probability calculator for observations, avoiding wave function collapse and focusing on observer-based reasoning.

Findings

Quantum theory as a probability tool for observation sequences

Wave function collapse considered a semantic issue

Analysis of weak values and delayed quantum eraser phenomena

Abstract

We analyse a proposition which considers quantum theory as a mere tool for calculating probabilities for sequences of outcomes of observations made by an Observer, who him/herself remains outside the scope of the theory. Predictions are possible, provided a sequence includes at least two such observations. Complex valued probability amplitudes, each defined for an entire sequence of outcomes, are attributed to Observer's reasoning, and the problem of wave function's collapse is dismissed as a purely semantic one. Our examples include quantum "weak values", and a simplified version of the "delayed quantum eraser".