Book Information

Quantum Non-Locality & Relativity

Metaphysical Intimations of Modern Physics

Second Edition

By: TIM MAUDLIN (Rutgers University)

Series: Aristotelian Society Monographs

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Description

Modern physics was born from two great revolutions: relativity and the quantum theory. Relativity imposed a locality constraint on physical theories: since nothing can go faster than light, very distant events cannot influence one another. Only in the last few decades has it become clear that the quantum theory violates this constraint. The work of J.S. Bell has demonstrated that no local theory can return the predictions of quantum theory. Thus it would seem that the central pillars of modern physics are contradictory.

TopTable of Contents

Preface to First Edition.
Preface to Second Edition.
Introduction.
1. Bell's Theorem: The Prize of Locality.
Appendix A: The GHZ Scheme.
2. Relativity and Space-time Structure.
3. Finger Exercise: Superluminal Matter Transport.
4. Controlling the Connection: Signals.
Appendix B: Bohmian Mechanics.
5. Causation.
6. Secret Messages.
7. Points of View.
8. Life in the Elastic Space-time.
9. Morals.
An Overview of Quantum Mechanics.
References.
Index.

TopAbout the Author

Tim Maudlin is Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University. He specializes in philosophy of science, especially philosophy of physics, metaphysics as informed by relativity and quantum theory, and the methodology of science.