Do the EPR correlations pose a problem for causal decision theory?
Synthese:1-12 (2017)
Abstract
We argue that causal decision theory is no worse off than evidential decision theory in handling entanglement, regardless of one’s preferred interpretation of quantum mechanics. In recent works, Ahmed and Ahmed and Caulton : 4315–4352, 2014) have claimed the opposite; we argue that they are mistaken. Bell-type experiments are not instances of Newcomb problems, so CDT and EDT do not diverge in their recommendations. We highlight the fact that a Causal Decision Theorist should take all lawlike correlations into account, including potentially acausal entanglement correlations. This paper also provides a brief introduction to CDT with a motivating “small” Newcomb problem. The main point of our argument is that quantum theory does not provide grounds for favouring EDT over CDT.Author Profiles
DOI
10.1007/s11229-017-1611-9
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References found in this work
On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen paradox.J. S. Bell - 2004 [1964] - In Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics. Cambridge University Press. pp. 14--21.
The Problem of Hidden Variables in Quantum Mechanics.Simon Kochen & E. P. Specker - 1967 - Journal of Mathematics and Mechanics 17:59--87.
Incompleteness, Nonlocality, and Realism: A Prolegomenon to the Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics.Michael Redhead - 1987 - Oxford University Press.
Newcomb’s problem and two principles of choice.Robert Nozick - 1969 - In Nicholas Rescher (ed.), Essays in Honor of Carl G. Hempel. Reidel. pp. 114--146.