A refined Frauchiger–Renner paradox based on strong contextuality
Abstract
The Frauchiger–Renner paradox derives an inconsistency when quantum theory is used to describe the use of itself, by means of a scenario where agents model other agents quantumly and reason about each other's knowledge. We observe that logical contextuality (à la Hardy) is the key ingredient of the FR paradox, and we provide a stronger paradox based on the strongly contextual GHZ–Mermin scenario. In contrast to the FR paradox, this GHZ–FR paradox neither requires post-selection nor any reasoning by observers who are modelled quantumly. If one accepts the universality of quantum theory including superobservers, we propose a natural extension of Peres's dictum to resolve these extended Wigner's friend paradoxes.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Philosophy and History of Science
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Quantum
- Publisher
- Verein zur Forderung des Open Access Publizierens in den Quantenwissenschaften
- Volume
- 10
- Pages
- 2116–2116
- Publication date
- 26 May 2026
- Language
- EN