The Born rule: Axiom or result?

Abstract

The Born rule is part of the collapse axioms in the standard version of quantum theory, as presented by most textbooks on the subject. We show here that its signature quadratic dependence on the initial wavefunction's projection onto the measured outcome state follows from a single additional assumption beyond the other axioms. We give two examples of such an assumption, with a separate derivation for each, and we discuss their relationship with existing derivations. Our presentation is suitable for advanced undergraduates or graduate students who have taken a standard course in quantum theory. It does not depend on any particular interpretation of the theory.