Quantum mechanics and the interpretation problem

Although many well articulated approaches to theory choice exist, no general approach to interpretation choice is available. This lacking is particularly troublesome for quantum mechanics because its mathematical formalism is associated with many well-developed interpretations. The lack of a method for choosing among the various interpretations of quantum mechanics has motivated the construction of this dissertation. The search for an appropriate method focuses on two areas: attempts to establish the superiority of one particular interpretation of quantum mechanics over another and general methods for choosing one theory over another.;Regarding the former area, two attempts to choose the Statistical Ensemble interpretation of quantum mechanics over the Copenhagen interpretation are analyzed. One of these is authored by L. E. Ballentine and the other by J. L. Park. The conclusion of this analysis is that both attempts did not succeed and a general approach to interpretation choice could not be extracted from either.;The desired approach was eventually found in one of the general methods for choosing among theories. The essential element of this approach to interpretation choice lies in the recognition that each interpretation contains the seed of a unique research program. If the program is cultivated, it can eventually be judged relative to others which have sprouted from the same theory. The criteria for such a judgment are contained in the Methodology of Scientific Research Programmes approach to theory choice. This method is applied to the Statistical Ensemble and Copenhagen interpretations of quantum mechanics. Even though it did not result in an immediate choice between the two, it did provide guidance for identifying what is needed to make such a choice.