Reductionism in Quantum Mechanics: The Classical Limit in Alternative Formalisms

Javier Berjón de Gortari; Elias Okon

doi:10.22370/rhv2024iss25pp57-74

Authors

Javier Berjón de Gortari Instituto de Investigaciones Filosóficas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Elias Okon Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22370/rhv2024iss25pp57-74

Keywords:

quantum mechanics, philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, classical limit, foundations of quantum mechanics

Abstract

The classical limit problem refers to how the classical or Newtonian dynamics can be recovered from the principles of quantum mechanics. In other words the problem is how to reduce classical physics to quantum theory. It is commonplace to find in popular quantum mechanics texts that the problem is solved, nevertheless here we present a critique of these supposed solutions to the problem and we show why they are not really satisfactory. What we propose is to approach the problem from the alternative theories to the standard quantum formalism; in particular from the pilot-wave theory and also GRW (with mass density). Both theories are better equipped to deal with the classical limit problem because they have a clear and precise ontology, which makes it easier to link their theoretical elements to the world of experience. This notwithstanding, there still remain some obstacles to overcome for said theories and here we propose how a general solution to this should look like.

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