IHPST 2026: A conceptual resources perspective on quantum interpretation

Quantum mechanics is usually taught with some version of the Copenhagen interpretation, even though only a minority of quantum physicists working today endorse this interpretation. We suggest that integrating a variety of quantum interpretations into undergraduate quantum education (including Copenhagen,epistemic/information-based, pilot-wave, and many-worlds interpretations) might better support learning of modern topics in quantum mechanics and bring students’ epistemologies closer to those of experts. We offer a conceptual resources perspective, in which ideas consist of flexibly combinable pieces of knowledge that may be activated independently or in networks, and whose activation may change depending on the situation. We describe the most popular quantum interpretations and begin the work of identifying conceptual resources that support them. Finally, we share preliminary instructional tasks that are designed to activate these conceptual resources, along with preliminary observations of how students interact with them.

Jul 8, 2026 9:00 AM — 10:30 AM