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How to Use Quantum Theory Locally to Explain "Non-local" Correlations

Healey, Richard (2011) How to Use Quantum Theory Locally to Explain "Non-local" Correlations. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper argues that there is no conflict between quantum theory and relativity, and that quantum theory itself helps us explain (otherwise) puzzling “non-local” correlations in a way that contradicts neither Bell’s intuitive locality principle nor his local causality condition. The argument depends on understanding quantum theory along pragmatist lines I have outlined elsewhere, and on a more general view of how that theory helps us explain. The key counterfactuals that hold in such cases manifest epistemic rather than causal connections between distant events. Quantum theory exploits the possibility of private informational links between an agent and events (s)he neither observes nor brings about, in ways that are strikingly independent of the spatiotemporal relations between them. This possibility has interesting implications for theories of chance in a relativistic world.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Healey, Richardrhealey@email.arizona.edu
Keywords: Quantum theory, pragmatist interpretation, explanation, non-local correlations, Bell inequalities, relativity
Subjects: General Issues > Causation
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User: Richard Andrew Healey
Date Deposited: 02 Nov 2011 12:33
Last Modified: 02 Nov 2011 12:33
Item ID: 8864
Subjects: General Issues > Causation
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date: 1 November 2011
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8864

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