Ontology in quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper explores a special basis transformation in quantum mechanics that could restore an ontological interpretation, challenging Bell's theorem and suggesting implications for the Standard Model, gravity, and black hole physics.

Contribution

It demonstrates that many quantum systems can be transformed into a basis where evolution resembles permutation group elements, offering a new ontological perspective.

Findings

Almost any low-energy quantum system admits such a basis transformation

This approach contradicts Bell's theorem assumptions

Potential links to the Standard Model and black hole physics are proposed

Abstract

It is suspected that the quantum evolution equations describing the micro-world as we know it are of a special kind that allows transformations to a special set of basis states in Hilbert space, such that, in this basis, the evolution is given by elements of the permutation group. This would restore an ontological interpretation. It is shown how, at low energies per particle degree of freedom, almost any quantum system allows for such a transformation. This contradicts Bell's theorem, and we emphasise why some of the assumptions made by Bell to prove his theorem cannot hold for the models studied here. We speculate how an approach of this kind may become helpful in isolating the most likely version of the Standard Model, combined with General Relativity. A link is suggested with black hole physics.