Emergent un-Quantum Mechanics Emergent un-Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

There is great interest in “emergent” dynamical systems and the possibility of quantum mechanics as emergent phenomena. We engage the topic by making a sharp distinction between models of microphysics, and the so-called quantum framework. We find the models have all the information. Given that the framework of quantum theory is mathematically self-consistent we propose it should be viewed as an information management tool not derived from physics nor depending on physics. That encourages practical applications of quantum-style information management to near arbitrary data systems. As part of developing the physics, we show there is no intrinsic distinction between quantum dynamics and classical dynamics in its general form, and there is no observable function for the unit converter known as Planck’s constant. The main accomplishment of quantum-style theory is a expanding the notion of probability. A map exists going from macroscopic information as “data” to quantum probability. The map allows a hidden variable description for quantum states, and broadens the scope of quantum information theory. Probabilities defined for mutually exclusive objects equal the classical ones, while probabilities of objects in more general equivalence classes yield the quantum values. Quantum probability is a remarkably efficient data processing device; the Principle of Minimum Entropy explains how it serves to construct order out of chaos.