On Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper aims to derive quantum mechanics from simple physical postulates, reformulating it in terms of information theory and emphasizing the role of correlations and the observer-independent nature of systems.

Contribution

It introduces a new formulation of quantum mechanics based on information-theoretic postulates, challenging the traditional observer-dependent perspective.

Findings

Quantum formalism can be reconstructed from information-based postulates

The observer-independent notion of states reduces unease with quantum mechanics

Information as correlation is central to the reformulation

Abstract

We reformulate the problem of the "interpretation of quantum mechanics" as the problem of DERIVING the quantum mechanical formalism from a set of simple physical postulates. We suggest that the common unease with taking quantum mechanics as a fundamental description of nature could derive from the use of an incorrect notion, as the unease with the Lorentz transformations before Einstein derived from the notion of observer independent time. Following an an analysis of the measurement process as seen by different observers, we propose a reformulation of quantum mechanics in terms of INFORMATION THEORY. We propose three different postulates out of which the formalism of the theory can be reconstructed; these are based on the notion of information about each other that systems contain. All systems are assumed to be equivalent: no observer-observed distinction, and information is interpreted as correlation. We then suggest that the incorrect notion that generates the unease with quantum mechanichs is the notion of OBSERVER INDEPENDENT state of a system.