Bohm's ontological interpretation and its relations to three formulations of quantum mechanics

Frederick M. Kronz

pp. 31-52

in: Synthese 117 (1), 1998.

Abstract

The standard mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics is specified. Bohm's ontological interpretation of quantum mechanics is then shown to be incapable of providing a suitable interpretation of that formulation. It is also shown that Bohm's interpretation may well be viable for two alternative mathematical formulations of quantum mechanics, meaning that the negative result is a significant though not a devastating criticism of Bohm's interpretation. A preliminary case is made for preferring one alternative formulation over the other.