Abstract
Quantum mechanics is usually presented as a challenge to scientific realism, but I will argue that the details of quantum mechanics actually support realism. I will first present some basic quantum mechanical concepts and results, including the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) experiment and Bell's theorem, and do it in a way that everyone can understand. I will then use the physics to inform the philosophy, showing that quantum mechanics provides evidence to support epistemological realism.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Bell, J.S.: 1964, On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen Paradox. Physics 1: 195–200.
Born, M.: 1948, Natural Philosophy of Cause and Chance. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Clauser, J. and A. Shimony: 1978, Bell's Theorem: Experimental Tests and Implications. Reports on Progress in Physics 41: 1881–1927.
Einstein, A., B. Podolsky and N. Rosen: 1935, Can Quantum-Mechanical Description of Reality be Considered Complete? Physical Review 47: 777–780.
Heisenberg, W.: 1958, The Representation of Nature in Contemporary Physics. Daedalus 87: 94–108.
Hooker, C.C.: 1991, Projection, Physical Intelligibility, Objectivity and Completeness: The Divergent Ideals of Bohr and Einstein. British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 42: 491–511.
Mermin, N.D.: 1981, QuantumMysteries for Anyone. The Journal of Philosophy 78: 397–408.
Mermin, N.D.: 1990, What's Wrong with These Elements of Reality? Physics Today 43(6): 9–11.
Petersen, A.: 1963, The Philosophy of Niels Bohr. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist (September) 19: 8–14.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kosso, P. Quantum Mechanics and Realism. Foundations of Science 5, 47–60 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026563220257
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026563220257