Sutherland, Roderick Ian (2005) Causally Symmetric Bohm Model. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to construct a version of Bohm’s model that also includes the existence of backwards-in-time influences in addition to the usual forwards causation. The motivation for this extension is to remove the need in the existing model for a preferred reference frame. As is well known, Bohm’s explanation for the nonlocality of Bell’s theorem necessarily involves instantaneous changes being produced at space-like separations, in conflict with the “spirit” of special relativity even though these changes are not directly observable. While this mechanism is quite adequate from a purely empirical perspective, the overwhelming experimental success of special relativity (together with the theory’s natural attractiveness), makes one reluctant to abandon it even at a “hidden” level. There are, of course, trade-offs to be made in formulating an alternative model and it is ultimately a matter of taste as to which is preferred. However, constructing an explicit example of a causally symmetric formalism allows the pros and cons of each version to be compared and highlights the consequences of imposing such symmetry. In particular, in addition to providing a natural explanation for Bell nonlocality, the new model allows us to define and work with a mathematical description in 3-dimensional space, rather than configuration space, even in the correlated many-particle case.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Sutherland, Roderick Ian
Keywords:	quantum mechanics, Bohm, retrocausality, Bell's theorem, nonlocality, backwards causation
Subjects:	General Issues > Causation General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Roderick Ian Sutherland
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2006
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:13
Item ID:	2588
Subjects:	General Issues > Causation General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	July 2005
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/2588

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• Causally Symmetric Bohm Model. (deposited 15 Jan 2006) [Currently Displayed]
  • Causally Symmetric Bohm Model. (deposited 20 Oct 2007)

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