Reconstruction of abstract quantum theory

Abstract

Understanding quantum theory as a general theory of prediction, we reconstruct "abstract" quantum theory. "Abstract" means the general frame of quantum theory, without reference to a three-dimensional position space, to concepts like particle or field, or to special laws of dynamics. "Reconstruction" is the attempt to do this by formulating simple and plausible postulates on prediction in order to derive the basic concepts of quantum theory from them. Thereby no law of "classical" physics is presupposed which would then have to be "quantized." We briefly discuss the relationship of "theory" and "interpretation" in physics and the fundamental role of time as a basic concept for physics. Then a number of assertions are given, formulated as succinctly as possible in order to make them easily quotable and comparable. The assertions are arranged in four groups: heuristic principles, verbal definitions of some terms, three basic postulates, and consequences. The three postulates of separable alternatives, indeterminism, and kinematics are the central points of this work. These brief assertions are commented upon, and their relationship with the interpretation of quantum theory is discussed. Also given are an outlook on the further development into "concrete quantum theory" and some philosophical reflections. © 1988 Plenum Publishing Corporation.