Reconstructing the Quantum World

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:25100171,
            doi = {10.48660/25100171},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/25100171},
            author = {Fraser, Patrick},
            keywords = {Quantum Foundations},
            language = {en},
            title = {Reconstructing the Quantum World},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2025},
            month = {oct},
            note = {PIRSA:25100171 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
          

Abstract

Since its inception, the quantum theory has been fraught with interpretive challenges. It has often been complained that the physical content of the theory is obscured by the mathematical resources used to articulate it. In recent decades, many have sought to reorganize the conceptual resources of quantum theory in terms of operational principles with clear physical meaning. These quantum reconstructions have been so successful that some people take them as evidence that the rightful subject matter of quantum theory—what the theory is about—is not the dynamical evolution of material systems at all, but rather the operational capacities of agents. Here, I argue against this agentive turn. Specifically, I show that such an account is not recommended by the success of quantum reconstruction and is, in fact, incompatible with it. I show how the operational language of quantum reconstruction principles can be given a clear, non-agentive interpretation. I further explain the practical and heuristic value of employing this operational language in facilitating the aims of the quantum reconstruction program.