Objective quantum fields, retrocausality and ontology

Abstract

We compare different approaches to quantum ontology. In particular, we discuss an interpretation of quantum mechanics that we call objective quantum field theory (OQFT), which involves retrocausal fields. Here, objective implies the existence of fields independent of an observer, but not that the results of conjugate measurements are predetermined: the theory is contextual. The ideas and analyses of Einstein and Bohr through to more recent approaches to objective realism are discussed. We briefly describe measurement induced projections, the guided wave interpretation, many-universes, consistent histories, and modal theories. These earlier interpretations are compared with OQFT. We argue that this approach is compatible both with Bohr's quantum complementarity, and Einstein's objective realism.

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Cited by in corpus (4)

• A Toy Model for Local and Deterministic Wave-function Collapse
• Weak versus deterministic macroscopic realism, and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen's elements of reality
• Quantum Mechanics: Statistical Balance Prompts Caution in Assessing Conceptual Implications
• Forward-backward stochastic simulations: Q-based model for measurement and Bell-nonlocality consistent with weak local realistic premises