Is Time-Reversed Causality Crucial in Cramer's Transactional Interpretation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time-reversed causality within Cramer's Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics (TIQM). Participants explore the implications of this interpretation on the behavior of particles in experiments such as the delayed choice double slit experiment, focusing on the nature of wave interactions between sources and detectors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a Wikipedia entry explaining that in TIQM, a source emits a retarded wave forward in time, and detectors respond with advanced waves traveling backwards in time. They express confusion over the distinction between this and a forward-moving wave from the detector to the source.
  • Another participant questions the level of interest in the topic, suggesting a lack of engagement or clarity in the discussion.
  • A different participant proposes that Cramer aims to address time anomalies in delayed choice experiments, arguing that a forward time interpretation would not accommodate the observed behavior of particles influenced by future events.
  • One participant notes the age of the thread, implying a potential lack of ongoing interest or relevance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the transactional interpretation and its implications for causality and time. There is no consensus on the significance or clarity of the concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the nature of waves and their directionality remain unexamined, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of time-reversed causality within TIQM.

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From the wikipedia entry:

"Suppose a particle (such as a photon) emitted from a source could interact with one of two detectors. According to TIQM, the source emits a usual (retarded) wave forward in time, the "offer wave", and when this wave reaches the detectors, each one replies with an advanced wave, the "confirmation wave", that travels backwards in time, back to the source."

I would interpret it this way:

A detector emits a wave forward in time. When a potential emitter receives the signal, it replies with another wave, forward in time as well, towards the detector.

I don't see the difference between a wave going backwards in time from the detector towards the source and a wave going forward in time in the opposite direction.
 
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Is the question too stupid or nobody is interested in the transactional interpretation here? Or, maybe, both of them?
 


I think Cramer is trying to explain time anomolies exhibited in the "delayed choice" "double slit" experiments. Somehow a particle exhibits behavior based on events that have not yet happened. A forward time interpretation would not allow that possibility.
 


This thread is 4 years old.
 

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