Heisenbergs ontological interpretation of quantum
physics has a number of current supporters.
C. J. Isham writes: "The most common meaning attached to probability in
classical physics is an epistemic one.. . . However, unless hidden variables
are posited, the situation in quantum theory is very different. . . . In
particular, there are no underlying microstates of whose precise values
we are ignorant. If taken seriously, such a view of the probabilistic structure
in quantum theory entails a radical departure from the philosophical position
of classical physics. . . ." See Chris J. Isham, Lectures on Quantum Theory,
131-132. According to Paul Davies, "Prior to quantum theory, physics was
ultimately deterministic.. . . The quantum factor . . . implies that we
can never know in advance what is going to happen. . . . We shall see that this
indeterminism is a universal feature of the micro-world." Davies, Quantum
Mechanics, p. 4. For earlier sources and references on the ontological
interpretation of indeterminacy, see H. Margenau, "Reality in quantum
mechanics," Phil. Science 16 (1949), 287-302. See W. Heisenberg, Philosophic Problems of
Nuclear Science, op. cit.; K. Popper, Quantum Theory and the Schism in
Physics (London: Hutchinson, 1956).
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