Price, Huw (2010) Time-symmetry without retrocausality: how the quantum can withhold the solace. [Preprint]

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Abstract

It has been suggested that some of the puzzles of QM are resolved if we allow that there is retrocausality in the quantum world. In particular, it has been claimed that this approach offers a path to a Lorentz-invariant explanation of Bell correlations, and other manifestations of quantum "nonlocality", without action-at-a-distance. Some writers have suggested that this proposal can be supported by an appeal to time-symmetry, claiming that if QM were made "more time-symmetric", retrocausality would be a natural consequence. Critics object that there is complete time-symmetry in classical physics, and yet no apparent retrocausality. Why should QM be any different? In this note I call attention to a respect in which QM is different, under some assumptions about quantum ontology. Under these assumptions, the option of time-symmetry without retrocausality is not available in QM, for reasons intimately connected with the fundamental differences between classical and quantum physics (especially the role of discreteness in the latter).

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Price, Huw
Keywords:	Quantum mechanics, retrocausality, time-symmetry
Subjects:	General Issues > Causation Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Prof Huw Price
Date Deposited:	26 Jan 2010
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2011 13:03
Item ID:	5133
Subjects:	General Issues > Causation Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	January 2010
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/5133

Available Versions of this Item

• Time-symmetry without retrocausality: how the quantum can withhold the solace. (deposited 26 Jan 2010) [Currently Displayed]
  • Does Time-Symmetry Imply Retrocausality? How the Quantum World Says "Maybe". (deposited 05 Nov 2011 13:03)

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