On the Classification Between -Ontic and -Epistemic Ontological Models.

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Physics
• Quantum Mechanics Foundations

Background:

• Harrigan and Spekkens (2010) proposed a dichotomy for quantum ontological models: $$-ontic (state represents reality) and $$-epistemic (state represents knowledge).
• Their work suggested Einstein favored an epistemic view of the quantum state $$.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically assess the $$-ontic/$$-epistemic classification of quantum ontological models.
• To re-evaluate Einstein's stance on the quantum state within the statistical interpretation.
• To examine the applicability of the classification to relational and perspectival quantum mechanics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the implicit assumptions within the $$-ontic/$$-epistemic categorization.
• Argumentation based on the nature of ontic states in different quantum mechanics interpretations (statistical, relational, perspectival).

Main Results:

• The classification implicitly assumes ontic states describe single, individual systems with absolute properties.
• The statistical interpretation, using ensemble-based ontic states, does not fit the $$-epistemic category.
• Einstein's view was likely misinterpreted due to the classification's narrow scope.
• Relational and perspectival quantum mechanics, with their focus on relational properties, challenge the classification's assumptions.

Conclusions:

• Harrigan and Spekkens' classification is too restrictive for quantum ontological models.
• A comprehensive classification must account for diverse ontic state descriptions across quantum interpretations.
• The $$-ontic/$$-epistemic framework requires revision to accommodate ensemble and relational properties.