Towards a Quantum Culture: The Different Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Session

Communications II

9 Dec 2025, 17:50

Conveners

Communications II

• Matteo Leone

10. David Bohm’s Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Luisa Spairani

09/12/2025, 17:50

David Bohm is known for proposing a philosophical interpretation of quantum mechanics that reintroduces the concept of so-called hidden variables. His 1952 formulation faced significant criticism, one of many because of the theory's inherent nonlocality. However, later developments in theoretical physics—especially the formulation of Bell's inequalities—may have lessened these objections by...

11. From Madelung to Bohm

Gianluca Introzzi

09/12/2025, 18:10

Bohm's interpretation of Quantum Mechanics presents similarities and analogies with other previous models, of which it represents an evolution. A direct comparison between the various models allows us to better understand the meaning of Bohm's formulation and demonstrates the importance of interpretation in understanding physical theories characterized by the same mathematical formalism. The...

6. Against the ‘Nightmare of a Mechanically Determined Universe’: Why Bohm was Never a Bohmian

Flavio Del Santo

09/12/2025, 18:30

David Bohm has put forward the first deterministic interpretation of quantum physics, and for this he seems to be regarded as a champion of determinism by physicists (both his contemporaries and the supporters of his interpretation, the so-called "Bohmians") as well as by historians of physics. The standard narrative is that he underwent a "conversion" from being a supporter of Bohr to being a...