Related papers: The quantum mechanics of the present

The quantum mechanics of the present

URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2104.09945v1
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:12:46 GMT
Title: The quantum mechanics of the present
Authors: Lee Smolin and Clelia Verde
Abstract summary: We propose a reformulation of quantum mechanics in which the distinction between definite and indefinite becomes the fundamental primitive. Inspired by suggestions of Heisenberg, Schrodinger and Dyson, we propose that the distinction between past, present and future is derivative of the fundamental distinction between indefinite and definite.
Score: 0.0
License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
Abstract: We propose a reformulation of quantum mechanics in which the distinction between definite and indefinite becomes the fundamental primitive. Inspired by suggestions of Heisenberg, Schrodinger and Dyson that the past can't be described in terms of wavefunctions and operators, so that the uncertainty principle does not apply to past events, we propose that the distinction between past, present and future is derivative of the fundamental distinction between indefinite and definite. %The same is the case for the quantum world versus classical world distinction of the Copenhagen interpretation. We then outline a novel form of presentism based on a phenomonology of events, where an event is defined as an instance of transition between indefinite and definite. Neither the past nor the future fully exist, but for different reasons. We finally suggest reformulating physics in terms of a new class of time coordinates in which the present time of a future event measures a countdown to the present moment in which that event will happen.

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