On quantum fundamentalism

TL;DR

This paper examines Bohr's perspective on the quantum measurement problem, arguing that classical concepts are essential and that quantum fundamentalism overlooks the contextual nature of quantum phenomena.

Contribution

It offers a reinterpretation of Bohr's stance through the lens of contextual quantum realism, emphasizing ontological and epistemological anti-fundamentalism.

Findings

Supports Bohr's view that classical context is necessary for quantum phenomena

Aligns Bohr's position with Wittgenstein-inspired contextual quantum realism

Highlights ontological and epistemological anti-fundamentalism in quantum theory

Abstract

According to one possible diagnosis of the quantum measurement problem, it is a consequence of quantum fundamentalism claiming that ontology and epistemology of the world are exclusively quantum, and classical physics is only an approximation. For N. Bohr, the measurement problem is a pseudo-problem because any quantum phenomenon presupposes the classical context of an experimental setup and the use of classical concepts to describe it. We consider Bohr's position from the point of view of our contextual quantum realism (CQR), inspired by the later Wittgenstein philosophy. Our approach is consistent with H. Zinkernagel's interpretation, according to which Bohr's position is not only epistemological anti-fundamentalism, but also ontological anti-fundamentalism.