Philosophical Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
About the event
For this meetup we are putting the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics on trial. This is the version of quantum theory that most physicists have been chugging along with for almost a hundred years now. This interpretation says a particle doesn't have a definite position or spin or anything until you measure it, the wave function is just a bookkeeping device and not a real thing, and if you ask what is actually going on between measurements you get told to stop asking. Which, if you are that kind of person who shows up to a philosophy meetup on your weekends, is exactly the kind of answer that makes you want to ask harder.
What even counts as a measurement? Does a rock count? A cat? Where does the tiny world end and the regular world of chairs and coffee begin?
Then there is Many Worlds, the interpretation that says forget collapse, the math is telling the truth, and every possible outcome really happens in its own branch of reality. Yes, that means a version of you who registered for, but will skip this meetup. We feel bad for you on that one 😉
And then there’s Bohmian mechanics which says particles really do have definite properties, and there’s a real wave guiding them along. No mysterious collapse, and no branching universes — just particles being guided by a quantum wave that somehow connects everything together.
Come argue about whether Copenhagen is deep wisdom or a hundred year old shrug, and whether Many Worlds is brave or bonkers, etc.
And please feel free to bring your own interpretation as well. Relational Quantum? Objective Collapse? Something else entirely? Bring it to the table — just be prepared to defend it. 😉 No math background is required, although some of us may talk about some math things.
Bring your curiosity, and feel free to prep with the reading list below!
Suggested reading:
• [Aeon: “Shut up and calculate does a disservice to quantum mechanics”](https://aeon.co/essays/shut-up-and-calculate-does-a-disservice-to-quantum-mechanics) • [Aeon: “How the many-worlds theory of Hugh Everett split the universe”](https://aeon.co/essays/how-the-many-worlds-theory-of-hugh-everett-split-the-universe)
For the nerds who want to go deep: There is also a much more technical paper for anyone who wants to take a serious dive into the foundations. Feel free to skip this one if papers aren't your thing. And if they are your thing, please skim it and jump around — it's long! [https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.19278](https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.19278)
Optional Media: PBS SpaceTime Youtube Series: [The Quantum Experiment that Broke Reality](https://youtu.be/p-MNSLsjjdo?si=N5KUzAlZ-j12TLAR) [Quantum Entanglement and the Great Bohr-Einstein Debate ](https://youtu.be/tafGL02EUOA?si=vcYaCD9ly-sqff_m) [The Many Worlds of the Quantum Multiverse](https://youtu.be/dzKWfw68M5U?si=L_xhhbBNRwGm8mJj) [Pilot Wave Theory and Quantum Realism](https://youtu.be/RlXdsyctD50?si=qQfsDf3PsXgAhBOB)
David Bohm Interview on Non-Local Quantum Mechanics 1989: [HERE](https://youtu.be/QrppcEE0lGo?si=Dr8_eZRBz9osgM-z)
