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Reconciling Spacetime and the Quantum: Relational Blockworld and the Quantum Liar Paradox

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Abstract

The Relational Blockworld (RBW) interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics (NRQM) is introduced. Accordingly, the spacetime of NRQM is a relational, non-separable blockworld whereby spatial distance is only defined between interacting trans-temporal objects. RBW is shown to provide a novel statistical interpretation of the wavefunction that deflates the measurement problem, as well as a geometric account of quantum entanglement and non-separability that satisfies locality per special relativity and is free of interpretative mystery. We present RBW’s acausal and adynamical resolution of the so-called “quantum liar paradox,” an experimental set-up alleged to be problematic for a spacetime conception of reality, and conclude by speculating on RBW’s implications for quantum gravity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA, 17022, USA

    W. M. Stuckey

  2. Department of Philosophy, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA, 17022, USA

    Michael Silberstein

  3. Department of Philosophy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA

    Michael Silberstein & Michael Cifone

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  1. W. M. Stuckey
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  2. Michael Silberstein
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  3. Michael Cifone
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Correspondence to W. M. Stuckey.

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Stuckey, W.M., Silberstein, M. & Cifone, M. Reconciling Spacetime and the Quantum: Relational Blockworld and the Quantum Liar Paradox. Found Phys 38, 348–383 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10701-008-9206-4

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