Is the Statistical Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics $\psi$-Ontic or $\psi$-Epistemic?

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics, arguing that its wavefunction is best viewed as $$-ontic and incomplete, clarifying its ontological status within the ontological models framework.

Contribution

It clarifies the ontological status of the wavefunction in the statistical interpretation, advocating it as $$-ontic and incomplete within the ontological models framework.

Findings

Wavefunction in the statistical interpretation is $$-ontic.

Wavefunction is considered incomplete.

Clarifies debate on the ontological nature of the wavefunction.

Abstract

The ontological models framework distinguishes $\psi$-ontic from $\psi$-epistemic wavefunctions. It is, in general, quite straightforward to categorize the wave-function of a certain quantum theory. Nevertheless, there has been a debate about the ontological status of the wave-function in the statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics: is it $\psi$-epistemic and incomplete or $\psi$-ontic and complete? I will argue that the wavefunction in this interpretation is best regarded as $\psi$-ontic and incomplete.