The operational framework for quantum theories is both epistemologically and ontologically neutral

TL;DR

This paper argues that operational frameworks in quantum mechanics are epistemologically and ontologically neutral, showing that debates over realism or antirealism cannot be settled solely by formal features of the theory.

Contribution

It demonstrates that operational formulations of quantum mechanics do not favor either realist or antirealist interpretations, clarifying the epistemic neutrality of these frameworks.

Findings

Operational frameworks are epistemologically and ontologically neutral.

Arguments for antirealism based on quantum information and correlations are unconvincing.

Both realist and antirealist views are compatible with operational quantum mechanics.

Abstract

Operational frameworks are very useful to study the foundations of quantum mechanics, and are sometimes used to promote antirealist attitudes towards the theory. The aim of this paper is to review three arguments aiming at defending an antirealist reading of quantum physics based on various developments of standard quantum mechanics appealing to notions such as quantum information, non-causal correlations and indefinite causal orders. Those arguments will be discussed in order to show that they are not convincing. Instead, it is argued that there is conceptually no argument that could favour realist or antirealist attitudes towards quantum mechanics based solely on some features of some formalism. In particular, both realist and antirealist views are well accomodable within operational formulations of the theory. The reason for this is that the realist/antirealist debate is located at a purely epistemic level, which is not engaged by formal aspects of theories. As such, operational formulations of quantum mechanics are epistmologically and ontologically neutral. This discussion aims at clarifying the limits of the historical and methodological affinities between scientific antirealism and operational physics while engaging with recent discoveries in quantum foundations. It also aims at presenting various realist strategies to account for those developments.