Restoring physical realism

Problem Many attempts have been made, starting from Quantum mechanics (QM), to prove the non-viability of hidden-variable (HV) solutions, and to justify the unnaturalness of QM explanations over physical realism. In particular, Colbeck & Renner (C&R) (2011) claimed to prove that no extension of quantum theory can exist with better predictive power than quantum mechanics itself. This implies that QM is an ideal theory, and that physical realism should be abandoned. Purpose This paper critiques this proof. Approach Logical considerations are used to examine the premises in the proof. Findings The C&R proof is show to be capable of entirely the opposite interpretation that its authors intended, namely that a new deeper physics may exist based on physical realism, but that it will definitely not be quantum theory or even an extension thereof. Also, the proof is falsified by presenting a viable theory of internal structures (hidden-variable solution) with demonstrably better ontological explanatory power than QM. Implications QM is interpreted as an approximate stochastic representation of a deeper dynamic behaviour at the finer scale. Originality This work predicts that physical realism still applies, and that hidden-variable solutions still have vitality as the way forward for fundamental physics.