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Bohmian Mechanics as Cartesian Science

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Physics and the Nature of Reality

Part of the book series: Fundamental Theories of Physics ((FTPH,volume 215))

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Abstract

The paper shows how Bohmian mechanics fits into modern science as conceived by Descartes. The primitive ontology of particle positions only vindicates the Cartesian conception of matter as res extensa also in the domain of quantum physics. Finally, I briefly sketch out how Bohmian mechanics can also be construed as respecting the limits that Descartes set for modern science: there is no conflict between the ontology and dynamics of matter as set out in Bohmian mechanics and a Cartesian stance that takes the mind to be irreducible to matter.

(for volume in honour of Detlef Dürr)

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Michael Esfeld

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  1. Michael Esfeld
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Correspondence to Michael Esfeld .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    Angelo Bassi

  2. Department of Mathematics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA

    Sheldon Goldstein

  3. Fachbereich Mathematik, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

    Roderich Tumulka

  4. Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy

    Nino Zanghì

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Esfeld, M. (2024). Bohmian Mechanics as Cartesian Science. In: Bassi, A., Goldstein, S., Tumulka, R., Zanghì, N. (eds) Physics and the Nature of Reality. Fundamental Theories of Physics, vol 215. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45434-9_27

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