Quantum Confusion: Foundations Are in Risky Disarray

Physicists need to devote greater efforts toward finding consensus on the issues that have plagued quantum physics since its founding years. “Shut up and calculate” has not, and will not, do the job. We lay out in more detail the purpose of this book, which is to demonstrate that the “old” issues such as nonlocality have now been resolved in a manner consistent with the standard quantum physics framework and consistent with scientific methodology based on evidence, philosophical realism, and rational thinking. We discuss what it means to “interpret” a mathematical theory of physics. The proliferation of elaborate quantum interpretations goes far beyond the normal scientific range, so much so that it has been called “a map of madness.” This development has unhealthy implications for scientific literacy. Because of issues like climate change and the social impact of computer technologies, scientific literacy is imperative for all nations, especially those that aspire to democratic rule. Because quantum foundations lie right at the heart of science, the spread of quantum-inspired pseudoscience is especially concerning. This mental pollution has spread alarmingly. At this moment when science literacy is so clearly needed, quantum physics is flirting with some shady characters.