Quantum Ontology: A Modal Bundle-Theorist Relational Proposal

Abstract

Quantum mechanics poses several challenges in ontological elucidation. Contextuality threatens determinism and favors realism about possibilia. Indistinguishability challenges traditional identity criteria associated with individual objects. Entanglement favors holistic and relational approaches. These issues, in close connection with different interpretations of quantum mechanics, have given rise to various proposals for the ontology of quantum mechanics. There is a proposal that is realistic about possibilia, where quantum systems are seen as bundles of possible intrinsic properties. This proposal is developed in close connection with modal interpretations and addresses quantum contextuality straightforwardly. There are also proposals based on relations, associated with the relational quantum mechanics interpretation. In this paper, features of these proposals are combined to obtain a modal bundle-theorist relational proposal. Its aim is to consistently and straightforwardly address both contextuality and the holistic and relational aspects of quantum mechanics arising from quantum entanglement. The proposal, if some additional principles are assumed, may turn out to be both an instance of moderate structuralism and priority monism.