TY - JOUR
T1 - From Practice To Theory
T2 - Three Types of Influence of Quantum Technology on Quantum Mechanics and its Foundations
AU - Latten, Thijs M.K.
AU - Sand, Martin
AU - Vermaas, Pieter E.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Although quantum reality is often discussed as notoriously difficult to comprehend, quantum mechanics is applied with increasing success in the development of quantum technologies. In this paper, we collect and organise views on the influence of quantum technology on quantum mechanics and the foundations of quantum mechanics. We distinguish three types of influence: quantum technology helps in (1) understanding, (2) developing, and (3) evaluating quantum mechanics and its foundations. We outline several illustrations of these types by introducing examples. By mapping the influence of research and engineering practices in quantum technology on quantum mechanics and its foundations, this paper illuminates the interaction between the two areas. This paper suggests both how technological practices can aid in long-standing theoretical debates on understanding quantum mechanics, and how investigating the relation between quantum technology and quantum mechanics can inform understanding in the philosophy of science on the interaction between science and technology in general.
AB - Although quantum reality is often discussed as notoriously difficult to comprehend, quantum mechanics is applied with increasing success in the development of quantum technologies. In this paper, we collect and organise views on the influence of quantum technology on quantum mechanics and the foundations of quantum mechanics. We distinguish three types of influence: quantum technology helps in (1) understanding, (2) developing, and (3) evaluating quantum mechanics and its foundations. We outline several illustrations of these types by introducing examples. By mapping the influence of research and engineering practices in quantum technology on quantum mechanics and its foundations, this paper illuminates the interaction between the two areas. This paper suggests both how technological practices can aid in long-standing theoretical debates on understanding quantum mechanics, and how investigating the relation between quantum technology and quantum mechanics can inform understanding in the philosophy of science on the interaction between science and technology in general.
KW - Foundations of quantum mechanics
KW - Quantum mechanics
KW - Quantum technology
KW - Science-technology interaction
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105020173716&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10699-025-10003-6
DO - 10.1007/s10699-025-10003-6
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105020173716
SN - 1233-1821
JO - Foundations of Science
JF - Foundations of Science
ER -