Has this approach to non-locality been explored?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of non-locality and the potential causes for it, such as the act of observing or a common cause in the past. The participants also mention theories that explore this concept, including "superdeterminism", time-symmetric interpretations, and retrocausal interpretations. There is also a brief discussion about the time invariance of quantum mechanics and how it relates to these interpretations.
  • #1
bcrelling
69
2
Non-locality is based on the assumption that the act of observing causes an effect instantaniously elsewhere.

It occurred to me that we can't be certain that one thing(observing) is causing the other(non-local wave function collapse).

Another solution might be that both events are determined by a common cause in the past?
i.e the prexisteng conditions that make the non-local outcome also make sure an observation is made.

Has anyone heard of any theories that have explored this?
 
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  • #2
bcrelling said:
Another solution might be that both events are determined by a common cause in the past?
i.e the prexisteng conditions that make the non-local outcome also make sure an observation is made.

Has anyone heard of any theories that have explored this?

Yes. Google around for "superdeterminism", and search this forum for that term.
 
  • #3
There are also time-symmetric and retrocausal interpretations as well. In those, the answer to "where are the hidden variables" is: they are in the future.
 
  • #4
DrChinese said:
There are also time-symmetric and retrocausal interpretations as well. In those, the answer to "where are the hidden variables" is: they are in the future.

Thanks guys.

By the way, is QM time invariant?

If so, could the common cause which necessitates the non-local events coinciding, actually be a future effect which is caused by the interaction of both events(as causes become effects and effects become causes when looking at time backwards)?

An analogy might be your existence is a caused by the the decisions of both your father and your mother. However looking at time backwards your spermatazoon actually causes them to meet each other. Hence the non-local events in quantum mechanics cause a common effect in the future which only possible by their coinciding.
 
  • #5
DrChinese said:
There are also time-symmetric and retrocausal interpretations as well. In those, the answer to "where are the hidden variables" is: they are in the future.

Exactly - nice way of putting it.

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #6
bcrelling said:
By the way, is QM time invariant?

Well we have the Many Worlds Interpretation where everything happens deterministically and the wavefunction of the entire universe simply evolves and the law governing that doesn't change.

So the answer to that is its interpretation dependent - the actual axioms are silent on it.

Thanks
Bill
 

Related to Has this approach to non-locality been explored?

1. What is non-locality in science?

Non-locality in science refers to the phenomenon where two or more particles can be connected or entangled in a way that their properties are correlated, even when they are separated by large distances. This concept challenges our understanding of classical physics, as it suggests that information can travel faster than the speed of light.

2. How has non-locality been explored in the past?

Non-locality has been explored through various experiments, such as the famous Bell test, which showed that entangled particles could exhibit correlated behavior even when separated by great distances. Additionally, theoretical models and mathematical frameworks have been developed to understand and explain the concept of non-locality.

3. What is the significance of exploring non-locality?

Exploring non-locality allows us to better understand the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and the nature of reality. It also has practical applications in fields such as quantum computing and cryptography.

4. What are some current approaches to exploring non-locality?

Current approaches to exploring non-locality include conducting experiments with entangled particles, developing new theoretical models, and using advanced technologies such as quantum teleportation to study the phenomenon. Collaborations between scientists from different disciplines, such as physics and computer science, are also being utilized to explore non-locality.

5. What are some potential implications of non-locality?

The implications of non-locality are still being studied and debated by scientists. Some suggest that it challenges our understanding of causality and the traditional concept of space and time. Others believe that it may lead to breakthroughs in communication and information processing technologies. Further research and experimentation are needed to fully understand the implications of non-locality.

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