We present three strong arguments against the ontic interpretation of quantum states. We then show that the appropriate alternative is not an epistemic interpretation, but viewing quantum states as representing the available knowledge about the potentialities of a quantum system from the perspective a of a particular point in space. Unlike ordinary knowledge, which requires a knower, available knowledge can be assumed to be present regardless of a knower. The relationship between “perspectives on potentialities” and “the potentialities themselves” is clarified.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Pais A. Subtle Is the Lord.... Oxford Univ. Press, 1982), p. 445.
Y. Aharonov and D. Z. Albert, Phys. Rev. D 21, 3316 (1980); Phys. Rev. D 24, 359 (1981).
S. Malin, Phys. Rev. D 36, 1330 (1982); Found. Phys. 14, 1083 (1984).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Malin, S. What Are Quantum States?. Quantum Inf Process 5, 233–237 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-006-0016-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-006-0016-3