  A proper knowledge of the reality of a physical theory is important to get an
understanding of empirical phenomena. Despite its extraordinary predictive
successes, the orthodox (also known as the Copenhagen) theory provides an
indigestible definition of quantum reality: objects (such as electrons) become
part of a nebulous many-particle wave function with no properties at all,
unless the property is explicitly measured. To make matters worse, orthodox
theory does not define measurements in a clear way. This view of reality is
foreign to most modern engineers who assume that quantum objects, like
classical objects, always have real properties, independent of any measurement.
Despite being contrary to the orthodox theory, the intuition of engineers is
not in conflict with other quantum theories, where the observer plays no
fundamental role. Good quantum intuition needs to be based on a correct
knowledge of the fundamental elements of the quantum theory that is being used.
We argue that engineers are actually led to the natural quantum reality offered
by these alternative approaches.
