Another proof that local realism does not work

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of Bell's theorem on local realism and quantum mechanics, particularly in the context of measuring spin 1/2 particles. Participants explore the relationship between quantum predictions and local realism, questioning whether quantum mechanics can be reconciled with local realism under certain conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a mathematical argument involving operators for measuring spin 1/2 particles, suggesting that the presence of a minus sign in quantum mechanics does not necessarily invalidate local realism.
  • Another participant counters this by arguing that local realism's reliance on a fixed spatial framework is fundamentally flawed, likening it to a faulty strategy that may work temporarily but is not reliable.
  • A third participant emphasizes that the core issue with local realism is its conflict with Bell's theorem and the experimental evidence supporting it.
  • A later reply acknowledges confusion in the previous statement and seeks clarification on the points made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of local realism in light of quantum mechanics, with no consensus reached on whether quantum mechanics can be explained through local realism.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of reconciling quantum mechanics with local realism, noting the dependence on specific interpretations and the implications of experimental results.

jk22
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I fell upon another discord between realism and quantum mechanics while studying Bell's theorem :

If we consider measurement of 2 spin 1/2 particles, with operators A, A', B and B' which are set respectively at 0, 45, 90 and 135 degrees (like in Bell experiment), we have A=\left(\begin{array}{cc} 1 & 0\\0 & -1\end{array}\right), and so on, and call the products

C_1=A\otimes B,C_2=A\otimes B', C_3=A'\otimes B, C_4=A'\otimes B'

then local realism implies C_4=C_1 C_2 C_3

whereas quantum mechanics predicts C_4=-C_1 C_2 C_3

However I thought about this difference :

it's not because the operator has a minus sign in quantum mechanics that the result also has a minus sign, since QM gives only the probabilities, so that in fact QM could give the same result as local realism but not all the time.

Hence this does not prove that QM is not explainable in term of local realism ?
 
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What you are saying is that if the numbers line up then QM explainable by LR. That is like saying if I create a strategy for the stock market and it works one day, that it will continue to work for all other days. This is simply false.

The problem with local realism is that considers space as always being attached to the problem. It's always there. It is obvious that we humans like space (we live in it), but trying to think about all physics in the x, y, z is doomed to fail.

I'm interested in what you and others have to say about this (whether you agree/disagree or have other comments).
 
euquila said:
The problem with local realism is that considers space as always being attached to the problem.

I have zero idea what you mean by that.

The problem with local realism is Bells Theorem and its experimental support.

Thanks
Bill
 
Hmmm one of the more unintelligible things I've said. Thank you for clarifying.
 

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