Abstract

Abstract: de Broglie-Bohm pilot-wave theory is an interpretation of quantum mechanics which purports to present us with a real world in which real particles guided by real waves hit real screens. I shall introduce the interpretation and explain why I do not believe it to be an adequate solution to the problem of understanding what quantum theory tells us about reality. Given that it is supposed to be a universal quantum theory, I shall look at how pilot-wave theory copes with describing macroscopic thermal systems and human observers. As a non-relativistic theory, Bohmian mechanics of course has difficulties with genuine physical particles such as quarks and photons, but I shall suggest that it also has difficulties with the sort of emergent phenomena which seem to arise naturally in the framework of modern heuristic quantum theory. I shall consider how pilot-wave theory deals with non-locality and I shall ask whether any interpretation of quantum theory can ever be fully compatible both with relativity theory and with realism. At some time after the seminar, I intend to make an extended version of my notes and overheads available from my web site here .

Although my seminar will be self-contained, it is a response to Mike Towler’s splendid series of lectures advocating pilot-wave theory, which are available at

www.tcm.phy.cam.ac.uk/~mdt26/pilot_waves.html

The seminar will take place on Wednesday 6th May 2009 at 3pm in the TCM Seminar Room on the top floor of the Mott building at the Cavendish Laboratory.