Bohr and von Neumann on the Universality of Quantum Mechanics: Materials for the History of the Quantum Measurement Process

TL;DR

This paper reexamines Bohr and von Neumann's perspectives on quantum measurement, arguing that their views are more aligned than traditionally believed, which has implications for understanding the universality of quantum mechanics.

Contribution

It offers a textual analysis showing that Bohr and von Neumann's views are less contradictory and more similar, contributing to a more accurate historical understanding.

Findings

Bohr and von Neumann's views are more aligned than previously thought

Their perspectives are closer on the universality of quantum mechanics

This reinterpretation clarifies the history of the quantum measurement problem

Abstract

The Bohr and von Neumann views on the measurement process in quantum mechanics have been interpreted for a long time in somewhat controversial terms, often leading to misconceptions. On the basis of some textual analysis, I would like to show that, contrary to a widespread opinion, their views should be taken less inconsistent, and much closer to each other, than usually thought. As a consequence, I claim that Bohr and von Neumann are conceptually on the same side on the issue of the universality of quantum mechanics: hopefully, this might contribute to a more accurate history of the measurement problem in quantum mechanics.