Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the relationship between quantum mechanics (QM) interpretations and the concept of entanglement, particularly focusing on how deterministic theories can account for entanglement and instantaneous effects across vast distances. Participants explore various interpretations of QM, including Bohmian mechanics, and their implications for determinism and non-locality.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express confusion about how deterministic theories can explain entanglement and instantaneous effects over large distances.
- It is noted that deterministic theories belong to classical mechanics (CM), while entanglement is a feature of quantum mechanics (QM), suggesting a fundamental difference between the two.
- Some argue that deterministic interpretations of QM, such as Bohmian mechanics, provide a non-local mechanism for entanglement through a universal pilot wave.
- Others challenge the notion that deterministic interpretations imply instantaneous effects, suggesting alternatives like superdeterminism or many-worlds interpretations.
- Concerns are raised about the lack of a clear deterministic mechanism for entanglement in various interpretations, with some asserting that Bohmian mechanics offers such a mechanism through the deterministic Schrödinger equation.
- Participants discuss the analogy of Newtonian gravity, questioning whether it provides a clear mechanism for action at a distance, similar to the issues faced in QM interpretations.
- There is a mention of the limitations of current interpretations and a desire for a more fundamental theory that could unify various aspects of QM and potentially incorporate gravity.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on how deterministic theories relate to entanglement. Multiple competing views remain, particularly regarding the implications of determinism and the nature of non-locality in QM interpretations.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions highlight the dependence on definitions of determinism and non-locality, as well as the unresolved nature of certain mathematical and conceptual aspects of QM interpretations.