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arXiv:1612.00676physics.hist-ph

Surveying the Attitudes of Physicists Concerning Foundational Issues of Quantum Mechanics

Sujeevan Sivasundaram, Kristian Hvidtfelt Nielsen

Abstract

Even though quantum mechanics has existed for almost 100 years, questions concerning the foundation and interpretation of the theory still remain. These issues have gathered more attention in recent years, but does this mean that physicists are more aware of foundational issues concerning quantum mechanics? A survey was sent out to 1234 physicists affiliated to 8 different universities. 149 responded to the questions, which both concerned foundational issues related to quantum mechanics, specifically, as well as questions concerning interpretations of physical theories in general. The answers to the survey revealed that foundational concepts in quantum mechanics are still a topic that only a minority of physicists are familiar with, although a clear majority of physicists find that interpretations of physical theories are important. The various questions, as well as how the respondents answered, are presented. The survey intends to give an overview of what the opinion of the physics community, in general, is concerning issues related to quantum mechanics.

arXiv comments
20 pages, 20 figures
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
physics.hist-phHistory and Philosophy of Physics physics.ed-phPhysics Education physics.soc-phPhysics and Society quant-phQuantum Physics

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Linked by 4 identifiable commenters in 4 comments across 4 threads, from Apr 2017 to Feb 2025. Found in 1 HN submission from Dec 2016 to Dec 2016. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments4 threads

  1. When Bohr got it wrong: the impact of a little-known paper on quantum theory 1 comment

    • See here for one of the surveys I mentioned: https://arxiv.org/abs/1612.00676 To "What is the message of the observed violations of Bell's inequality?", a whopping 37% believed that it ruled out hidden variables entirely, even though Bohmian mechanics has been a thing since the…

      naaskingView on HNParent context

  2. In the foundations of physics we haven't seen progress for the past four decades 1 comment

    • > - the Everett interpretation - is the most popular with physicists Source? On the contrary, this survey of physicists https://arxiv.org/pdf/1612.00676.pdf (Fig 13.) indicates Copenhagen is dominant, followed by no preference, with Everett a long way behind. This is also…

      opaqueView on HNParent context

  3. Quantum observers with knowledge of quantum mechanics break reality 1 comment

    • The 2016 survey: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1612.00676.pdf Both surveys are fascinating reads. They clearly give a sense that despite of the spectacular success of QM how far we still are from the final word in that field.

      pdobsanView on HNParent context

  4. Atomic Spins Evade Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle 1 comment

    • > Quantum uncertainty is a fundamental consequence of the underlying physics, it has nothing to do with influence from the measurement process. If you can prove that, your Nobel prize awaits. :) The truth is that nobody knows why there is quantum uncertainty. The common belief…

      parenthephobiaView on HNParent context

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