DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS OF QUANTUM MECHANICS

Quoted from Physics in History on X.

1. Copenhagen Interpretation: The "standard" interpretation where quantum systems exist in superpositions until measured, at which point they "collapse" to a definite state.

2. Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI): Every quantum event spawns countless parallel universes, with each possible outcome occurring in a different universe.

3. De Broglie-Bohm (Pilot Wave) Theory: Quantum systems are guided by "pilot waves" that determine their behavior, implying that particles have definite positions at all times.

4. Objective Collapse Theories: Quantum systems spontaneously collapse to definite states over time, without requiring a measurement.

5. Quantum Bayesianism (QBism): Quantum states are subjective beliefs about the outcomes of experiments, emphasizing a Bayesian approach to probability.

6. Relational Quantum Mechanics: The properties of a quantum system are relative to the observer and do not exist absolutely.

7. Transactional Interpretation: Quantum events involve a time-symmetric exchange of "offer waves" and "confirmation waves" between source and detector.

8. Ensemble Interpretation: Quantum mechanics only applies to ensembles of systems, not individual systems, emphasizing statistical outcomes.

9. Consistent Histories: Focuses on establishing a consistent framework to discuss sequences or "histories" of quantum events over time.

10. Quantum Logic: Proposes a modification of classical logic to account for quantum phenomena.

11. Participatory Anthropic Principle (PAP): Observers play a role in bringing the universe into existence through quantum processes.

None of these interpretations alters the core mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, but they provide different perspectives on what is "really" happening beneath the surface of the calculations. The debate over which interpretation, if any, correctly describes nature is ongoing and remains one of the central philosophical questions in the foundations of quantum theory.

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Quantum Interpretations.