Which theories have a measurement problem?

Abstract It is shown that any theory that has certain properties has a measurement problem, in the sense that it makes predictions that are incompatible with measurement outcomes being absolute (that is, unique and non-relational). These properties are Bell Nonlocality , Information Preservation , and Local Dynamics . The result is extended by deriving Local Dynamics from No Superluminal Influences , Separable Dynamics , and Consistent Embeddings . These results are achieved using a framework of perspectival theories that generalizes the notion of a Heisenberg cut beyond quantum theory. As well as explaining why the existing Wigner’s-friend-inspired no-go theorems hold for quantum theory, the results also shed light on whether a future theory of physics might overcome the measurement problem. In particular, they suggest the possibility of a theory in which absoluteness is maintained, but without rejecting relativity theory (as in Bohm theory) or embracing objective collapses (as in GRW theory).