The Conceptions of Reality in the Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics A Journey from Aristotle’s Principles to Einstein’s Dreams of a Unified Theory

This book explores the different conceptions of reality in the various interpretations of Quantum Mechanics, demonstrating the intimate connection to philosophy of physics. With interest in the foundations of Quantum Mechanics having revived in recent decades, a number of interpretations have been formulated or rediscovered and these remain in strong competition with one another for acceptance by the scientific community. At the same time they imply quite different notions of reality. 

The author provides an overview of these conceptions of reality and their embedding in physical theories, interpretations of Quantum Mechanics and related philosophical frameworks. 

Starting with Aristotle’s principles, the deep fruitful connection between philosophy and physics guides this journey through the foundations of Quantum Mechanics.

Introduction.- A classification scheme for interpretations of quantum mechanics.- Philosophy of Science from Artistotle and William of Ockham to Structuralism.- The EPR debate the ER connection and completeness.- The concept of reality in the interpretations of quantum mechanics.- Summary conclusion and outlook.- Appendix.

Gerd Christian Krizek is head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and Researcher at the University of Vienna. His fields of interests are Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of physics, and interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.