English

Physical Probability in the Everett Interpretation and Bell Inequalities

Quantum Physics 2025-12-02 v1 History and Philosophy of Physics Popular Physics

Abstract

I define a notion of local causality LOC closely modelled on the Bell principle, construed as the condition that single case probabilities cannot be modified by actions at spacelike separation. The new principle, like that of Bell, forces Bell inequalities, but with two loopholes: one is retrocausation, known to Bell, but the other is nonuniqueness of remote outcomes, a loophole only for LOC, not for the Bell principle. I also set out a theory of physical probability, applicable to the Everett interpretation, in agreement with the Born rule, and therefore violating Bell inequalities. I show it is consistent with LOC. Surprisingly, both loopholes are exploited. I conclude not only that probability in the Everett interpretation involves no action at a distance, but that the observed violations of Bell inequalities is powerful evidence for many worlds.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2512.00575,
  title  = {Physical Probability in the Everett Interpretation and Bell Inequalities},
  author = {Simon Saunders},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2512.00575},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

To appear in Alyssa Ney (ed), Everett and Nonlocality, Oxford University Press, 2026

R2 v1 2026-07-01T08:01:00.371Z