Foundations of Physics 42 (10):1329-1338 (2012)
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Abstract |
The 1964 theorem of John Bell shows that no model that reproduces the predictions of quantum mechanics can simultaneously satisfy the assumptions of locality and determinism. On the other hand, the assumptions of signal locality plus predictability are also sufficient to derive Bell inequalities. This simple theorem, previously noted but published only relatively recently by Masanes, Acin and Gisin, has fundamental implications not entirely appreciated. Firstly, nothing can be concluded about the ontological assumptions of locality or determinism independently of each other—it is possible to reproduce quantum mechanics with deterministic models that violate locality as well as indeterministic models that satisfy locality. On the other hand, the operational assumption of signal locality is an empirically testable (and well-tested) consequence of relativity. Thus Bell inequality violations imply that we can trust that some events are fundamentally unpredictable, even if we cannot trust that they are indeterministic. This result grounds the quantum-mechanical prohibition of arbitrarily accurate predictions on the assumption of no superluminal signalling, regardless of any postulates of quantum mechanics. It also sheds a new light on an early stage of the historical debate between Einstein and Bohr
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Keywords | Quantum foundations Bell inequalities No-signalling Signal locality Uncertainty Unpredictability Randomness Determinism Locality |
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DOI | 10.1007/s10701-012-9669-1 |
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References found in this work BETA
Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics: Collected Papers on Quantum Philosophy.John Stewart Bell - 2004 - Cambridge University Press.
Can Quantum-Mechanical Description of Physical Reality Be Considered Complete?Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky & Nathan Rosen - 1935 - Physical Review (47):777-780.
On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen Paradox.J. S. Bell - 2004 [1964] - In Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics. Cambridge University Press. pp. 14--21.
Discussion with Einstein on Epistemological Problems in Atomic Physics.Niels Bohr - 1949 - In Paul Arthur Schilpp (ed.), The Library of Living Philosophers, Volume 7. Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist. Open Court. pp. 199--241.
Quantum Theory at the Crossroads: Reconsidering the 1927 Solvay Conference.Guido Bacciagaluppi - 2007 - Cambridge University Press.
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Citations of this work BETA
Quantum Reaxiomatisations and Information-Theoretic Interpretations of Quantum Theory.Leah Henderson - 2020 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 72:292-300.
The Wave Function as a True Ensemble.Jonte Hance & Sabine Hossenfelder - 2022 - Proceedings of the Royal Society 478 (2262).
Nonlocal Quantum Information Transfer Without Superluminal Signalling and Communication.Jan Walleczek & Gerhard Grössing - 2016 - Foundations of Physics 46 (9):1208-1228.
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