Are quantum `irreality' and `nonlocality' ineluctable?

Abstract

The early history of the development of Quantum Mechanics is surveyed to discern the arguments leading to the introduction of the notions of `irreal' wave functions and `nonlocal' correlations. It is argued that the assumption that Quantum Mechanics is `complete', i.e., not just a variant of Statistical Mechanics, is the feature compelling the introduction of these otherwise problematic properties. Additionally, a consequence of the error first found by Jaynes in proofs of Bell's ``theorem'', is illustrated. Finally, speculation on the practical consequences of recognising that ``entanglement'' is a feature of all hyperbolic differential equations is proposed.