Quantum Theory: A Pointer to an Independent Reality

Abstract

Quite soon after the first predictions of quantum mechanics the founding fathers became aware of two major promises contained in this new theory: first, it seemed to have an exceptional predictive power in many physical and chemical disciplines; second, it would launch, like no other physical theory before, an equally exceptional philosophical discussion concerning the status of reality. The fundamental issue in this philosophical debate is whether things are, on quantum level, the same way as they are on a classical level.