The Causal Theory of Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

This chapter is an exposition and discussion of the Causal Theory of Quantum Mechanics. A set of axioms is presented for single particle quantum systems which is later generalised to the many-particle case. The equations of the Causal Theory are derived from its axioms and realistically interpreted. The ontology of the Causal Theory, i.e. quantum particles and the quantum field (wave field), is described. An important issue addressed in this chapter is the contention that the wave field is a physical field that propagates through three-dimensional space. This view is considered problematic in the literature since the wavefunction of an N-particle quantum system (N > 1) is defined on a 3 N-dimensional configuration space. It is also shown that there is no ‘Measurement Problem’ in the Causal Theory and that the two quantum paradoxes discussed in Chapter 2 are readily solvable. Non-locality is introduced together with discussions of the transition to the classical level of description and the status of the Quantum Equilibrium Condition within the Causal Theory.