PhilSci Archive

Conspiracy Theories of Quantum Mechanics

Lewis, Peter J. (2006) Conspiracy Theories of Quantum Mechanics. [Preprint]

This is the latest version of this item.

[img] Microsoft Word (.doc)
Conspiracy_Theories_(revised).doc

Download (102kB)

Abstract

It has long been recognized that a local hidden variable theory of quantum mechanics can in principle be constructed, provided one is willing to countenance pre-measurement correlations between the properties of measured systems and measuring devices. However, this “conspiratorial” approach is typically dismissed out of hand. In this paper I examine the justification for dismissing conspiracy theories of quantum mechanics. I consider the existing arguments against such theories, and find them to be less than conclusive. I suggest a more powerful argument against the leading strategy for constructing a conspiracy theory. Finally, I outline two alternative strategies for constructing conspiracy theories, both of which are immune to these arguments, but require one to either modify or reject the common cause principle.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Lewis, Peter J.
Keywords: hidden variables, locality, common cause principle
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Peter J. Lewis
Date Deposited: 09 Mar 2006
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:13
Item ID: 2651
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: March 2006
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/2651

Available Versions of this Item

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item