Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity: Metaphysical Intimations of Modern Physics (Aristotelian Society Series) - Hardcover

Maudlin, Tim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0631186093 ISBN 13: 9780631186090

Publisher: Blackwell Pub, 1994

Synopsis

The experimental verification of violations of Bell's Inequality has demonstrated that our world is fundamentally unlike the world as the classical world-view would have it: particles created together somehow remain "in communication" with one another irrespective of the distance between them, even when they are so far separated that light could not connect them. This superluminal communication appears to contradict the main tenets of relativity. This work examines the potential conflict between the two, asking what relativity really forbids and what quantum theory demands. After a non-technical presentation of Bell's results and of special relativity, chapters are devoted to superluminal energy transmission, signalling, causation and information transmission. The final chapters investigate the technical demands of Lorentz invariance and its analogs in general relativity. This book does not presuppose technical background in physics.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Modern physics was born from two great revolutions: relativity and quantum theory. Relativity imposed a locality constraint on physical theories: since nothing can go faster than light, very distant events cannot influence one another. Only in the last few decades has it become clear that quantum theory violates this constraint. The work of J. S. Bell has demonstrated that no local theory can return the predictions of quantum theory. Thus it would seem that the central pillars of modern physics are contradictory.

Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity examines the nature and possible resolution of this conflict. Beginning with accurate but non-technical presentations of Bell's work and of Special Relativity, there follows a close examination of different interpretations of relativity and of the sort of locality each demands. The story continues with a brief discussion of the General Theory of Relativity. This second edition also includes a new author's preface and an additional appendix.

The book introduces philosophers to the relevant physics and demonstrates how philosophical analysis can help to resolve some of the problems. All of the physics is presented from first principles, and as much as possible is presented pictorially.

About the Author

Tim Maudlin is Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University. He specializes in philosophy of science, especially philosophy of physics, metaphysics as informed by relativity and quantum theory, and the methodology of science.

Edition details

• Publisher: Blackwell Pub
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0631186093
• ISBN 13: 9780631186090
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 255