Operational theories as structural realism

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Physics
• Quantum Foundations
• Modal Logic

Background:

• Operational theories provide a framework for understanding quantum mechanics based on observable predictions.
• The relationship between different quantum theories and their underlying structures is a key area of investigation.
• Modal logic, particularly possible world semantics, offers tools for analyzing possibility and necessity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reconstruct the epistemic significance of research on operational theories in quantum foundations.
• To interpret operational axiomatisations of quantum mechanics within the framework of structural realism.
• To explore the philosophical implications of this interpretation for structural realism and future research.

Main Methods:

• Analogical reasoning, comparing the space of operational theories to the space of possible worlds in modal logic.
• Philosophical analysis of structural realism in the context of quantum mechanics.
• Conceptual reconstruction of the epistemic role of operational theories.

Main Results:

• The space of operational theories can be seen as analogous to the space of possible worlds.
• Research on operational theories probes the modal structure of quantum mechanics.
• Operational axiomatisations of quantum mechanics can be interpreted as a novel form of structural realism.

Conclusions:

• This interpretation enriches the philosophy of structural realism.
• It highlights the potential for novel insights into the future development and understanding of operational theories in quantum mechanics.