Hidden Variables in Quantum Mechanics: A Journey Into de Broglie-Bohm Pilot-Wave Theory

Abstract: This work provides an introduction to the most influential hidden-variable interpretation of the quantum formalism, i.e., the de Broglie-Bohm pilot-wave theory. As the reader will see, the chapter offers a detailed discussion of the main formulations of the theory. Moreover, cogent topics such as the origin of the Born rule, the interpretation of probability, the nature of the wave function, the status of spin, as well as extensions of the pilot-wave approach beyond non-relativistic quantum mechanics will be examined. This essay, however, not only reviews existing relevant literature but also contributes new insights about (i) the existence of spin in the context of pilot-wave theory, and (ii) whether the latter framework is formally and conceptually simpler than standard quantum mechanics.