Is Bell's parameter really a hidden variable ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of Bell's theorem and the role of hidden variables in quantum mechanics. It argues that the variable $$s$$ in the integral $$C(a,b)=\int A(a,s)B(b,s)ds$$ is not merely a summation index but plays a crucial role in the experiment. The concept of a "dummy" hidden variable, represented by $$\phi$$, is introduced to challenge the notion of hidden variables, suggesting that the logic of Bell's theorem applies universally, regardless of whether variables are hidden. The conclusion emphasizes that the absence of unhidden variables in quantum mechanics supports the existence of hidden variables.

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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and students studying the foundations of quantum theory, particularly those interested in the implications of Bell's theorem and the nature of hidden variables.

jk22
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In the Ansatz : $$C(a,b)=\int A(a,s)B(b,s)ds$$, is $$s$$ not simply the mute summation index ? In this sense it is not hidden to the experiment.

Then what about an "dummy" hidden variable that is not integrated over :
$$C(a,b)(\phi)=\int A(a,s,\phi)B(b,s,\phi)ds$$

$$\phi$$ were tuned one and for all to match the predictions after all ?
 
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Whether it's hidden or not is a bit of a red herring, because the logic of Bell's theorem applies to all variables, whether hidden or not. We discuss Bell's theorem in terms of hidden variables only because the other possibility (that quantum mechanical results can be explained using unhidden variables) is already falsified because we don't see any such variables - therefore either they don't exist or they are hidden.
 
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jk22 said:
not simply the mute summation index ? In this sense it is not hidden to the experiment.
How the fact that it is a dummy summation index imply that it is not hidden?
 

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