A Heptalemma for Quantum Mechanics
Abstract
Abstract We present a seven-pronged no-go result for quantum mechanics: a “heptalemma”. It shows that seven initially plausible theses about physical reality are jointly inconsistent with the predictions of quantum mechanics, while any six are jointly consistent. We must then decide which theses to retain and which to give up. Since different interpretations of quantum mechanics entail different responses to the heptalemma, we get a novel taxonomy of such interpretations. Beyond the application to quantum mechanics, the heptalemma offers a general diagnostic criterion for determining whether a given scientific domain should count as classical or not, and if not, how it departs from classicality.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Cold Fusion and Nuclear Reactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Foundations of Physics
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 56
- Issue
- 2
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN