On Quantum Things
A Constructive Guide to the Fundamentals of Quantum Theory
Seiten
2026
Rowman & Littlefield (Verlag)
978-1-4985-8168-4 (ISBN)
Rowman & Littlefield (Verlag)
978-1-4985-8168-4 (ISBN)
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A realist, particle-based view of quantum theory—where the wavefunction no longer plays a central role—offers a clear, commonsense alternative to dominant metaphysical views.
This book explores the metaphysics of quantum theory through a lens of scientific realism—the belief that successful scientific theories describe reality. It critically evaluates various interpretations, including structural realism, wave function realism, and the many-worlds view, highlighting their limitations. Valia Allori proposes a “spatiotemporal foundational ontology” approach, grounded in particles as fundamental entities evolving in three-dimensional space and time, following uniform, symmetric laws. This view is exemplified by Bohmian mechanics (pilot-wave theory), offering a constructive, commonsensical explanation of quantum phenomena. The wave function, in this framework, is not a physical object but plays a functional, law-like role in explaining interactions. Further, the book advances a radical thesis: fundamental particles lack intrinsic properties like mass or charge and are instead “bare” objects distinguished only by the laws governing them. This thesis allows a middle path between traditional object-based metaphysics and eliminative structuralism. Ultimately, the author argues that had physics developed more rationally, instead of following a historical path shaped by contingent choices, the pilot-wave theory might have been the dominant interpretation, minimizing the proliferation of speculative alternatives.
This book explores the metaphysics of quantum theory through a lens of scientific realism—the belief that successful scientific theories describe reality. It critically evaluates various interpretations, including structural realism, wave function realism, and the many-worlds view, highlighting their limitations. Valia Allori proposes a “spatiotemporal foundational ontology” approach, grounded in particles as fundamental entities evolving in three-dimensional space and time, following uniform, symmetric laws. This view is exemplified by Bohmian mechanics (pilot-wave theory), offering a constructive, commonsensical explanation of quantum phenomena. The wave function, in this framework, is not a physical object but plays a functional, law-like role in explaining interactions. Further, the book advances a radical thesis: fundamental particles lack intrinsic properties like mass or charge and are instead “bare” objects distinguished only by the laws governing them. This thesis allows a middle path between traditional object-based metaphysics and eliminative structuralism. Ultimately, the author argues that had physics developed more rationally, instead of following a historical path shaped by contingent choices, the pilot-wave theory might have been the dominant interpretation, minimizing the proliferation of speculative alternatives.
Valia Allori is associate professor of philosophy at the University of Bergamo, Italy.
Table of Figures
Prologue
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Scientific Realism and The Classical World
Chapter 2: Quantum Mechanics and The Structuralist Revolution
Chapter 3: The Measurement Problem and Wave Function Realism
Chapter 4: A Spatiotemporal Ontology for a Symmetry Preserving Constructive Theory
Chapter 5: Demystifying the Wave Function
Chapter 6: A Metaphysics of Bare Objects
Chapter 7: “What if?”
Epilogue
References
| Erscheinungsdatum | 19.07.2025 |
|---|---|
| Sprache | englisch |
| Maße | 152 x 229 mm |
| Themenwelt | Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie ► Metaphysik / Ontologie |
| Naturwissenschaften ► Physik / Astronomie ► Quantenphysik | |
| ISBN-10 | 1-4985-8168-4 / 1498581684 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1-4985-8168-4 / 9781498581684 |
| Zustand | Neuware |
| Informationen gemäß Produktsicherheitsverordnung (GPSR) | |
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