Universal quantum theory from dynamical consistency

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2608.17688v1
• Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:02:55 GMT
• Title: Universal quantum theory from dynamical consistency
• Abstract summary: We argue for the inadequacy of quantum theory using a dynamical consistency argument.<n>We show that requiring the canonical algebra to be preserved under joint unitary dynamics rules out specific hybrid classical-quantum models.<n>We conclude with a comparison to DeWitt's analysis of quantum measurement, in which the apparatus, if classical, must be at least to preserve the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
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• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: We argue for the universality of quantum theory using a dynamical consistency argument, within a specific Hamiltonian setting. We analyse two different types of coupling between simple quantum harmonic oscillators. Each illustrates an aspect of the free and interacting quantum fields and shows the inadequacy of semiclassical models. In particular, we establish that requiring the canonical algebra to be preserved under joint unitary dynamics rules out specific hybrid classical-quantum models. We apply our reasoning to the gravitational field in the linear regime, coupled to the quantised electromagnetic field and, separately, to quantised matter. We conclude with a comparison to DeWitt's analysis of quantum measurement, in which the apparatus, if classical, must be at least stochastic to preserve the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. We also note that stochastic models are inconsistent with the strict version of conservation principles, even if they comply with a probabilistic (on average) conservation.

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