Taxonomy for Physics Beyond Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a clear taxonomy for classifying various interpretations and models beyond standard quantum mechanics, aiming to resolve terminological confusion and provide a unified framework.

Contribution

It proposes standardized terminology and a general classification framework for models like superdeterminism and retrocausality in quantum foundations.

Findings

Clarifies different notions of causality and determinism in quantum models

Provides a unified terminology to reduce confusion in the literature

Offers a framework applicable to various interpretations of quantum mechanics

Abstract

We propose terminology to classify interpretations of quantum mechanics and models that modify or complete quantum mechanics. Our focus is on models which have previously been referred to as superdeterministic (strong or weak), retrocausal (with or without signalling, dynamical or non-dynamical), future-input-dependent, atemporal and all-at-once, not always with the same meaning or context. Sometimes these models are assumed to be deterministic, sometimes not, the word deterministic has been given different meanings, and different notions of causality have been used when classifying them. This has created much confusion in the literature, and we hope that the terms proposed here will help to clarify the nomenclature. The general model framework that we will propose may also be useful to classify other interpretations and modifications of quantum mechanics. This document grew out of the discussions at the 2022 Bonn Workshop on Superdeterminism and Retrocausality.