Beables, Primitive Ontology and Beyond: How Theories Meet the World

TL;DR

This paper compares various ontological approaches in quantum mechanics, clarifying their similarities and differences to improve understanding of their philosophical and scientific implications.

Contribution

It systematically analyzes and distinguishes between Bohm, Bell, Primitive Ontology, and Esfeld-Deckert approaches, clarifying common confusions in the literature.

Findings

Identifies key differences in metaphysical principles among approaches

Clarifies the relationship between Bell's views and Primitive Ontology

Highlights the importance of ontological clarity in quantum theories

Abstract

Bohm and Bell's approaches to the foundations of quantum mechanics share notable features with the contemporary Primitive Ontology perspective and Esfeld and Deckert minimalist ontology. For instance, all these programs consider ontological clarity a necessary condition to be met by every theoretical framework, promote scientific realism also in the quantum domain and strengthen the explanatory power of quantum theory. However, these approaches remarkably diverge from one another, since they employ different metaphysical principles leading to conflicting Weltanschaaungen. The principal aim of this essay is to spell out the relations as well as the main differences existing among such programs, which unfortunately remain often unnoticed in literature. Indeed, it is not uncommon to see Bell's views conflated with the PO programme, and the latter with Esfeld and Deckert's proposal. It will be our task to clear up this confusion.