Quantum reality: physics and the human quest for sense

We propose to complete the development of a realistic interpretation of quantum mechanics we have been developing over the last few years. It is independent of human observations and is based on the loss of quantum coherence that the use of realistic clocks in the measurement process introduces. In particular it provides a criterion for identifying when an event takes place. This interpretation allows us to go beyond the pragmatic view of physics in which the latter only describes what a human experimenter observes in a measurement process. We will develop an ontology based on physics, in particular on quantum mechanics, providing an encompassing view of reality. This has been one of the central quests of philosophy since the times of Spinoza and Leibniz. The concrete goal of the proposal is to develop a book describing the new interpretation and its philosophical implications. We will also develop a plan to seek experimental validations on the fundamental limits that nature imposes on the accuracy of realistic clocks.

Grant Amount:

$51,750

Start Date:

January 2011

End Date:

December 2012

Grant ID:

20496