empirical equivalence

Compiled with AI assistance and selectively reviewed. Please consult the cited passages; the books remain the authoritative source. About this companion

Editorial synthesis · provisional

Definition

Empirical equivalence is agreement between distinct theories or interpretations in the observable predictions under discussion. The corpus applies it to RTI and standard quantum probabilities without treating ontological agreement as experimental vindication. Shared tested statistics leave interpretive differences intact and do not remove the obligation to specify physical commitments precisely enough for empirical constraint.

Explanation

RB1 adopts RTI for philosophical fit while stating that experiments have not singled it out. Kastner’s claim that its direct-action field account makes it technically more than an interpretation is retained alongside the narrower agreement about predicted probabilities. Different ontology does not itself create a measured statistical difference.

The source distinguishes absent discriminators from absent constraints. A test of emitter–absorber dependence needs competing calculations for the same apparatus; classical absorber-theory cosmological tests cannot simply be transferred to quantum RTI. Ordinary quantum electrodynamics already predicts environmental effects on emission.

Coherent storage raises another research question about actualization, with Marchildon’s quantitative objection and Kastner’s reply left attributed. These are not established departures from standard theory. RB3 also distinguishes empirically equivalent interpretations from spontaneous-collapse theories that predict small deviations, preventing equivalence from becoming a blanket label.

Scope and attribution

Scope equivalence to the observables and tested regimes actually discussed.

AB — The Actual Book

The reconstructed quantum example does not discriminate RTI from standard physics.

Occurrence locators: 34; Notes: 236.

RB1 — The Real Book, Volume I: The Possible Is Real

Shared probabilities coexist with ontology and testability questions.

Occurrence locators: 50, 61, 80, 87, 88, 89, 116; Notes: 88, 89.

RB3 — The Real Book, Volume III: Murmurations

Spontaneous-collapse alternatives are expressly distinguished.

Occurrence locators: 8, 9; Notes: 392.

Background used in the editorial explanation

Named theories and mechanisms are distinguished from neighboring background, homonyms and the author’s own synthesis. Reproduced AI passages retain their separate voice.