Bell's theorem and quantum realism

Description:

This book addresses the issue of alternative formulations of quantum mechanics, and in particular the impact of various mathematical theorems on this issue. The classic von Neumann's Theorem, as well as Gleason's Theorem and the Kochen-Specker Theorem are first up for analysis. The authors review the reasons - explained originally by John S. Bell - why none of these can stand as anti-hidden variables proofs. The main part of the book is a presentation of Einstein Podolsky Rosen and Bell's Theorem, as well as the extension of these via the so-called Schroedinger paradox. As in the case of the other results, these latter also fail to demonstrate "impossibility" of determinism in quantum physics. In the case of EPR and Bell's Theorem, what is proved is the impossibility of locality in quantum physics, ie., inevitability of 'nonlocality.' As to more recent results, such as Conway and Kochen's "Free Will Theorem," the authors show that here again, there is no demonstration that quantum mechanics denies determinism or conflicts with human free will. Rather, Conway and Kochen have been led to error by overlooking the full meaning of the EPR paradox, and its extension, the Schroedinger paradox.

subjects: Quantum foundations,  Einstein Podosky Rosen,  Bell's theorem,  Free Will Theorem,  Quantum theory,  Philosophy,  Physics,  Schrodinger equation,  History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics,  Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Plasma Physics

People: John S. Bell,  Albert Einstein,  Erwin Schroedinger,  John Conway,  Simon Kochen