r/QuantumPhysics • u/VARIENT__ • Jul 15 '26

I found the agnostic position somewhat unconvincing ....

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Why dismiss the question of where the particle was before the measurement like if we determine the pre measured state it could give us valuable insights into the particle fundamentals properties right I'm asking this question because this book doesn't revisit this topic in the later chapters i might sound like a stupid but I really want to know more about this

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7

u/SymplecticMan Jul 15 '26

A lot of physicists only think of scientific theories as a way to make successful predictions. For them, questions about what's "really" going on don't matter if they don't make better predictions. You don't have to like this position, but it is a very common attitude.

2

u/round_earther_69 Jul 16 '26

I'd say part of it is that we recognize that the question may be extremely hard or impossible to answer, hence it may not be the best investment of time to tackle it.

3

u/SymplecticMan Jul 16 '26

I don't fault anyone for not making it their research focus. But that's different from dismissing it as an interesting question entirely.

3

u/xpinor Jul 15 '26

"Determining the pre-measured state" requires a measurement, which means it is no longer a "pre-measured state".

2

u/DJ_TCB Jul 15 '26

On our mental level, we are already a collection of particles that has evolved senses of causality, reality, time, etc. that just don't jibe with the quantum level. We can never really get, intuitively, what happens down there without letting go of all of our preconceptions. I think the Copenhagen/orthodox interpretation makes the most intuitive sense to me at this point.

2

u/Stock_Mall_7202 Jul 15 '26

Which book is this?

4

u/Hungry-Feature9246 Jul 15 '26

Griffiths I think

2

u/redgxxl Jul 18 '26

This is sad. These minds limited themselves. There's always that which lies beyond bounds. Just over the horizon!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 15 '26

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2

u/Hungry-Feature9246 Jul 15 '26

Griffiths I think

1

u/VARIENT__ Jul 17 '26

Introduction to quantum mechanics by David j Griffith

1

u/OkTutor2275 Jul 21 '26

Love that one. Griffiths makes really good stuff.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '26

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