Local, non-realistic description of the EPR-Bohm experiment

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ueit
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Experiment Local
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the EPR-Bohm experiment, specifically examining the implications of non-realism and locality in quantum mechanics. Participants debate whether non-realists can provide a coherent local explanation for the anti-correlated results observed in measurements of entangled spin-1/2 particles. Key terms include "locality," defined as the restriction of physical effects to the speed of light, and "wave function collapse," which some argue is unnecessary in a non-realist framework. The conversation highlights the tension between non-realist interpretations and the requirement for locality, particularly in the context of Bell's Theorem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum entanglement and spin-1/2 particles
  • Familiarity with the EPR-Bohm experiment
  • Knowledge of Bell's Theorem and its implications for realism and locality
  • Concepts of wave function collapse and non-locality in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Bell's Theorem on local realism
  • Explore various interpretations of quantum mechanics, including Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) and Retrocausal theories
  • Study the role of observers in quantum mechanics and its impact on non-realist theories
  • Investigate the concept of locality in quantum field theory and its relation to measurement outcomes
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, philosophers of science, and anyone interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics and the debate surrounding realism and locality.

  • #31
morrobay said:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...entanglement-and-nonlocality-comments.864726/

See post @ # 12 by @vanhees71 It seems this could qualify for a local non realistic model :
Non realistic since particles at A or B, in superposition, do not have definite spin values until measured.

I agree this account is non-realistic but it is not local (or at least not obviously so) according to the way I defined the term. That post explains that no faster-than light communication is possible, but this is also true in Bohm's interpretation even if the theory is non-local.

In the post you linked it is accepted that A and B will get anti-correlated results but no cause is given for this fact. So, either vanhees believes there is no cause (in which case the theory is indeed local, but fine-tuned) - my option 1 or, if there is a cause, we are not told about it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
zonde said:
Your argument does not cover all logical possibilities, just all the scientific ones (the first one is called "coincidence").
There is possibility that measurement records are not factual i.e. they are somehow subjective. That's on the side of non scientific possibilities.

I think that most non-realists would disagree with you that this subjectivity is non-scientiffic. Some claim that this is in fact the deep implication of QM. Sure, I disagree with this.

But even if we accept this subjectivity, a theory still has to provide some sort of explanation (why some observer experiences a result and not some other result). So far I have not seen such a well-defined account.
 
  • #33
ueit said:
I agree this account is non-realistic but it is not local (or at least not obviously so) according to the way I defined the term. That post explains that no faster-than light communication is possible, but this is also true in Bohm's interpretation even if the theory is non-local.

In the post you linked it is accepted that A and B will get anti-correlated results but no cause is given for this fact. So, either vanhees believes there is no cause (in which case the theory is indeed local, but fine-tuned) - my option 1 or, if there is a cause, we are not told about it.

The cause is given in post #9 same reference, again by @vanhees71 partial quote:

There is no action at a distance related to entanglement, but it's described by states of systems that are not localized and thus observations of far distant parts of the system can be correlated, but this correlation is due to the preparation of the state long before any measurement on the partial systems is done." ...
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...entanglement-and-nonlocality-comments.864726/
 
Last edited:
  • #34
morrobay said:
The cause is given in post #9 same reference, again by @vanhees71 partial quote:

There is no action at a distance related to entanglement, but it's described by states of systems that are not localized and thus observations of far distant parts of the system can be correlated, but this correlation is due to the preparation of the state long before any measurement on the partial systems is done." ...
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...entanglement-and-nonlocality-comments.864726/

It seems to me that the system preparation being the cause of the correlations is just postulated. The theory does not provide any link between the system preparation and the actual results. The non-localized state does not contain enough information to determine the results. And if you cannot determine the results how can you determine a correlation between them?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: zonde

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
703
  • · Replies 85 ·
3
Replies
85
Views
5K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 74 ·
3
Replies
74
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 175 ·
6
Replies
175
Views
12K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
1K