Abstract
The inherent necessity of wave functions may be determined in either of two ways. One way, frequently presupposed, states that the fundamental validity of wave functions is determined generically: The nature of the system determines the assignability of inherently necessary wave functions. The other approach holds that it is the specific experiment which determines the systems for which description by use of wave functions is fundamentally valid. A guideline based on this contextual approach is proposed and tested in three experimental situations.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
B. S. DeWitt,Phys. Today 23, 30 (1970), p. 33.
Ref. 1, p. 30.
E. P. Wigner, “Remarks on the mind-body question,” inThe Scientist Speculates, I. J. Good, ed. (William Heinemann, London, 1961); reprinted in E. P. Wigner,Symmetries and Reflections (Indiana University Press, Bloomington, Indiana, 1967; and M.I.T. Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1970).
Ref. 3, M.I.T. Press, p. 181.
N. Bohr,Atomic Theory and the Description of Nature (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1934; Ox Bow Press, Woodbridge, Connecticut, 1987), p. 54.
N. Bohr,Essays 1958–1962 on Atomic Physics and Human Knowledge (Wiley, New York, 1963; Ox Bow Press, Woodbridge, Connecticut, 1987), p. 5.
W. Heisenberg,The Physical Principles of the Quantum Theory (University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1930; Dover, New York, 1949), p. 64.
Ref. 7, pp. 66–76.
L. Fonda, G. C. Ghirardi, and A. Rimini,Rep. Prog. Phys. 41, 587 (1978), and references cited therein.
D. M. Greenberger and A. YaSin,Found. Phys. 19, 679 (1989).
Ref. 10, p. 696.
Ref. 10, p. 699.
Ref. 10, p. 689.
Ref. 10, p. 690.
L. L. Van Zandt,Am. J. Phys. 45, 52 (1977), p. 55.
Ref. 10, pp. 682 and 699, plus references cited on these pages.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dotson, A.C. What determines whether a wave function is inherently necessary?. Found Phys 21, 821–829 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00733347
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00733347