Quanta Magazine(@QuantaMagazine):Whether imaginary numbers are indispensable features of quantum mechanics or mere mathematical conveniences affects our understanding of reality itself. “The mathematical formulation does guide what we infer about the nature of the physical world,” says philosopher of physics Jill North.

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Quanta Magazine@QuantaMagazine

2026.05.18 16:08

Whether imaginary numbers are indispensable features of quantum mechanics or mere mathematical conveniences affects our understanding of reality itself. “The mathematical formulation does guide what we infer about the nature of the physical world,” says philosopher of physics Jill North.