Abstract

Entropic Dynamics is a framework for deriving the laws of physics from entropic inference. In an (ED) of particles, the central assumption is that particles have definite yet unknown positions. By appealing to certain symmetries, one can derive a quantum mechanics of scalar particles and particles with spin, in which the trajectories of the particles are given by a stochastic equation. This is much like Nelson’s stochastic mechanics which also assumes a fluctuating particle as the basis of the microstates. The uniqueness of ED as an entropic inference of particles allows one to continuously transition between fluctuating particles and the smooth trajectories assumed in Bohmian mechanics. In this work we explore the consequences of the ED framework by studying the trajectories of particles in the continuum between stochastic and Bohmian limits in the context of a few physical examples, which include the double slit and Stern-Gerlach experiments.

Highlights

  • Entropic Dynamics (ED) [1] is a unique approach to foundational quantum mechanics with its emphasis on entropic inference

  • In this work we explore the consequences of the ED framework by studying the trajectories of particles in the continuum between stochastic and Bohmian limits in the context of a few physical examples, which include the double slit and Stern-Gerlach experiments

  • That physics cannot be an exception to the rules of inductive reasoning; physics is constrained to be consistent with the rules for inference. (ED) is an exercise in deriving physical laws from inductive inference

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Summary

Introduction

Entropic Dynamics (ED) [1] is a unique approach to foundational quantum mechanics with its emphasis on entropic inference. All other observable quantities, such as momentum, spin, electric charge, etc., are necessarily epistemic This is a slight departure from the Copenhagen interpretation, which claims that particles have no properties until they are measured. Other foundational approaches, such as the Bohmian [2] (or causal interpretation) and Nelson’s stochastic mechanics [3], assume ontic positions for particles These approaches give onticity to the macroscopic variables, such as the wave function ψ( x ), and the probability distribution ρ( x ) = |ψ( x )|2. Proceedings 2019, 33, 25 macroscopic variables from these assumptions While in this way (NSM) is more general than (BM), it singles out a particular sub-quantum dynamics for particles which is a Brownian motion. The family of possible sub-quantum dynamics which reproduce the Schrödinger equation is potentially infinite, experiments may constrain these theories once a proper understanding of quantum gravity is achieved

Entropic Dynamics
The Microstates
The Prior
The Constraints
The Transition Probability
Entropic Time
Entropic Trajectories
The Double-Slit Experiment
The Stern-Gerlach Experiment
Discussion
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