Hidden Variables: Ontology/Epistemology & Contextuality/Non-Classicality
Fred Wolf
I can't pretend to grasp all the equations at the moment, I keep telling myself I'll go back but ideally (pun intended) others with stronger physics memory/knowledge will find this of interest...
Fred Wolf
Quote:What does quantum physics tell us about the nature of reality, specifically the parts of reality we do not directly perceive called hidden variables? One may think it could tell us a lot because of our enhanced technological sensing abilities that delve into the realms that quantum physics covers so well. Surprisingly, it seems to surround us in a deeper mystery rather than reveal more of nature's secrets. It seems that we cannot escape from philosophical consideration when dealing with what is hidden in quantum physics. In Part I we will look at how Epistemology and Ontology bear upon Hidden Variables. In Part II we will consider Hidden Variables in the light of Contextuality, and Non-Classicality. Inevitably questions of subjectivity and objectivity arise in dealing with states of observation. How should we think about these states? Perhaps it is a question of the meaning associated with our knowledge of a state-that is, a question of ontology or epistemology. The issue of ontic and epistemic states is particularly important when considering hidden variables in quantum physics because, as one may argue, the interpretation of quantum states as either ontic or epistemic will naturally lead to different assumptions about how reality is constructed; if it is constructed or not. It also raises the question of what attributes we are able to observe simultaneously and that brings contextuality into the discussion. If it turns out that reality is constructed contextually what does that imply about ontological realism? If on the other hand reality is constructed non-contextually what does that imply about ontological realism? Many implications can arise when considering these questions from a quantum physical point of view. In this paper I shall discuss how quantum physics provides some answers to these questions by considering quantum physical states and their measurements.
I can't pretend to grasp all the equations at the moment, I keep telling myself I'll go back but ideally (pun intended) others with stronger physics memory/knowledge will find this of interest...
Quote:So we have found that the issue of the role of HV in questions of ontology and epistemology of states is particularly important when considering quantum physics because, it has led to different theories about how reality is constructed. It also tells us even if we can observe attributes simultaneously; their values can change depending on contextuality. So it seems that quantum physics is telling us that reality is constructed contextually and ontological realism of HVs and QWFs appears to be illusionary. Given that quantum physics underlies classical physics, then even classical physics must also be an illusion, or perhaps better put epistemologically constructed. What you see “out there” depends on the context you put on your observations “in here.” No wonder there are so many different interpretations of “reality,” “facts,” and “opinions.” No wonder that we live in a world stuffed with prejudices and fears. Also no wonder that the world is also filled with hope and dreams and all kinds of beliefs.Thus we conclude that if quantum physics theory applies to real-world observations, the world cannot be a classical one—what we expect to see in it can and does depend ultimately on what context one makes in conjunction with one’s observations as well as one’s expectations. I believe this adds credence to the notion that it would be more fruitful to consider the “out there” as a product of the “in here”; in other words, quantum physics is telling us that the universe is a mental construction after all.
'Historically, we may regard materialism as a system of dogma set up to combat orthodox dogma...Accordingly we find that, as ancient orthodoxies disintegrate, materialism more and more gives way to scepticism.'
- Bertrand Russell
- Bertrand Russell
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