Ze Theory as an Interpretive Framework for Quantum Mechanics

To present Ze Theory as an interpretive framework for quantum mechanics, reformulating known quantum phenomena in the language of Ze-observers—quantum systems by construction that possess proper time and act under conditions of struggle for existence. A Ze-observer is defined as a tuple (H, ρ_Z, {M_i}, τ_Z, θ_Z), where H is a Hilbert space, ρ_Z is a belief state, {M_i} is a POVM, τ_Z is a proper time counter, and θ_Z is a prediction threshold. The dynamics of τ_Z follow the rule: for a correct prediction (S-event), τ_Z is preserved; for an incorrect prediction (T-event), τ_Z decreases by 1. Two fundamental survival strategies of Ze are derived: internal adaptation (filtering of rare events) and external adaptation (niche construction). Within the proposed framework: (1) the arrow of time emerges from the decrease of τ_Z during T-events; (2) aging is interpreted as the dominance of the filtering strategy; (3) quantum entanglement corresponds to Ze generated by a common parent; (4) the double-slit experiment is reinterpreted through strategy choice; (5) spacetime is constructed from partial order and the commutation matrix of POVMs. Ze Theory offers a coherent interpretive framework for quantum mechanics, consistent with evolutionary epistemology. Open problems include deriving the Born rule from selection pressure, Lorentz invariance from Ze network dynamics, and the emergence of gravity.