Is there no cause and effect relationship in quantum mechanics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of cause and effect in quantum mechanics (QM), exploring whether traditional causal relationships apply within this framework. Participants examine various interpretations of QM and their implications for understanding causality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that events in QM may occur without a clear cause.
  • Another participant argues that the existence of cause and effect in QM is context-dependent and invites more specific questions regarding particular phenomena.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that classical causality is less clear in QM, particularly in relation to entanglement, and notes that the understanding of causality in QM is still unresolved.
  • Another participant mentions that different interpretations of QM, such as the Bohmian interpretation, provide varying perspectives on the existence of causes akin to those in classical physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of causality in QM, indicating that multiple competing interpretations exist and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on specific interpretations of QM and the lack of consensus on how causality operates within the framework.

Ahmed Abdullah
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i.e things happen for no cause.


Thx
 
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What's the point in asking questions that no one can currently answer?
On second reading, there is cause and effect relationship in QM, it depends on what part of it you are interested in. So it'd be useful if you could ask a specific question on specific QM phenomenon.
 
Last edited:
Cause and effect is a foundation of classical physics which is less well understood in quantum mechanics. But QM is a less intuitive formulation of physics so casuality may not be as readily apparent. For example, classical causality does not seem to be part of entanglement yet just how it works I don't think is agreed upon.

So I'd rather say that in parts of QM it is not yet understood how causality works.
 
Ahmed,
Different interpretations of QM offer different answers to your question. If you want to have an intuitive interpretation in which causes exist similarly to that in classical physics,
see about the Bohmian interpretation.
 

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