Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the plausibility of superdeterminism as an explanation for quantum mechanics, particularly in relation to a recent paper that claims a local realist interpretation of quantum mechanics. Participants explore the implications of this paper, its assumptions, and its compatibility with established quantum experiments, such as the double-slit experiment and single electron interference.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the assertion in the paper that wave behavior arises only from statistical behavior of large ensembles, arguing that individual particles have demonstrated wave-like behavior in experiments.
- Concerns are raised about the paper's introduction of a "factuality" condition, with some participants arguing that it is unnecessary and contradicts the notion of overlapping hidden variables.
- Participants reference the existence of single electron interference as a known phenomenon, with some expressing disappointment that this was not adequately addressed in the paper.
- There are critiques of the paper's assumptions regarding deterministic time evolution and the inclusion of detector settings as hidden variables, with some arguing that these assumptions lack experimental support.
- Some participants discuss the implications of shared hidden variables and their relation to locality, with differing interpretations of Bell's theorem and its assumptions about hidden variables.
- There is a mention of superdeterminism as a possible loophole to Bell's theorem, with some participants acknowledging its logical possibility but questioning its plausibility.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express multiple competing views regarding the interpretations and implications of the paper, particularly concerning the nature of hidden variables and the validity of the assumptions made. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the paper's claims or the validity of superdeterminism as an explanation for quantum mechanics.
Contextual Notes
Some participants note that the paper may not adequately address established experimental results, such as single electron interference, and raise concerns about the assumptions made regarding hidden variables and locality. There is also mention of the paper's acceptance in a peer-reviewed journal, which some participants question in light of the arguments presented.