Deflating Quantum Mysteries via the Relational Blockworld
Abstract
We present a spacetime setting for non-relativistic quantum mechanics that deflates "quantum mysteries" and relates non-relativistic quantum mechanics to special relativity. This is achieved by assuming spacetime symmetries are fundamental in a blockworld setting, i.e., by interpreting spacetime relations as fundamental to relata. To justify this Relational Blockworld (RBW), we adopt a result due to G. Kaiser whereby the relativity of simultaneity, stemming from the Poincare algebra of special relativity, is responsible for the canonical commutation relations of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. And, we incorporate a result due to A. Bohr, B. Mottelson and O. Ulfbeck whereby the density matrix for a given experimental situation is obtained from its spacetime symmetry group. We provide an example to illustrate the explanatory nature of RBW and conclude by explaining how RBW deflates "quantum mysteries."
Cite
@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0503065,
title = {Deflating Quantum Mysteries via the Relational Blockworld},
author = {W. M. Stuckey and Michael Silberstein and Michael Cifone},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0503065},
year = {2015}
}
Comments
Accepted for publication in Physics Essays. 22 pages text, 13 figures