On causal loops in the quantum realm
| Abstract | It is frequently argued that there is a tension between quantum theory and the special theory of relativity, but there are no conclusive arguments for their incompatibility. In this paper I consider two recent arguments for the impossibility of certain types of relativistic quantum theory on the grounds of causal paradoxes, due to Frank Arntzenius and Tim Maudlin. The structure of both arguments is (in effect) similar: if these alleged relativistic theories were true, closed causal loops could easily be constructed, but such loops would exclude the very possibility of these theories. I argue that Arntzenius’s and Maudlin’s lines of reasoning fail because they are based on untenable assumptions about probabilities in causal loops. I also argue that the consistency of the quantum theories under consideration depends on the interpretation of the probabilities they prescribe, and the question of their empirical adequacy requires a metaphysical and empirical investigation into the nature of chances and frequencies in causal loops. | |||||||||
| Keywords | No keywords specified (fix it) | |||||||||
| Categories | ||||||||||
| Options |
|
|||||||||
Download options| PhilPapers Archive |
Upload a copy of this paper Check publisher's policy on self-archival Papers currently archived: 5,679 |
| External links | This entry has no external links. Add one. |
| Through your library | Only published papers are available at libraries |
Similar books and articlesJ. Berkovitz (1998). Aspects of Quantum Non-Locality II: Superluminal Causation and Relativity. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B 29 (4):509-545.
Rob Clifton & Laura Ruetsche (1999). Changing the Subject: Redei on Causal Dependence and Screening Off in Relativistic Quantum Field Theory. Philosophy of Science 66 (3):169.
Bradley Monton (2007). Time Travel Without Causal Loops. Philosophical Quarterly 59 (234):54-67.
Michael D. Robinson (2004). Divine Providence, Simple Foreknowledge, and the ‘Metaphysical Principle’. Religious Studies 40 (4):471-483.
J. Ismael (2003). Closed Causal Loops and the Bilking Argument. Synthese 136 (3):305 - 320.
Richard Hanley (2004). No End in Sight: Causal Loops in Philosophy, Physics and Fiction. Synthese 141 (1):123 - 152.
U. Meyer (2012). Explaining Causal Loops. Analysis 72 (2):259-264.
Phil Dowe (2001). Causal Loops and the Independence of Causal Facts. Proceedings of the Philosophy of Science Association 2001 (3):S89-.
J. Berkovitz (2001). On Chance in Causal Loops. Mind 110 (437):1-23.
Analytics
Monthly downloads |
Added to index2009-01-28Total downloads14 ( #83,117 of 549,087 )Recent downloads (6 months)0How can I increase my downloads? |
My notes
Discussion
