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arXiv:2103.09780quant-ph

Reality as a Vector in Hilbert Space

Sean M. Carroll

Early discovery. Linked by one identifiable commenter. This paper is outside the main ranking; a mention is not an endorsement.

Abstract

I defend the extremist position that the fundamental ontology of the world consists of a vector in Hilbert space evolving according to the Schrödinger equation. The laws of physics are determined solely by the energy eigenspectrum of the Hamiltonian. The structure of our observed world, including space and fields living within it, should arise as a higher-level emergent description. I sketch how this might come about, although much work remains to be done.

arXiv comments
Invited contribution to the volume Quantum Mechanics and Fundamentality: Naturalizing Quantum Theory Between Scientific Realism and Ontological Indeterminacy; Valia Allori (ed.)
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
quant-phQuantum Physics gr-qcGeneral Relativity and Quantum Cosmology hep-thHigh Energy Physics, Theory physics.hist-phHistory and Philosophy of Physics

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Linked by 1 identifiable commenter in 1 comment across 1 thread, from Oct 2022 to Oct 2022. Found in 2 HN submissions from Mar 2021 to Jun 2025. Open submission discussions.

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  1. Quantum Monism Could Save the Soul of Physics 1 comment

    • It reminds me of Sean Carrols Hilbert Space Fundamentalism. Sean M. Carroll: Reality as a Vector in Hilbert Space https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.09780

      hackandthinkView on HNParent context

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