Skip to main content
Log in

Whiteheadian approach to quantum theory and the generalized Bell's theorem

  • Published:
Foundations of Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The model of the world proposed by Whitehead provides a natural theoretical framework in which to imbed quantum theory. This model accords with the ontological ideas of Heisenberg, and also with Einstein's view that physical theories should refer nominally to the objective physical situation, rather than our knowledge of that system. Whitehead imposed on his model the relativistic requirement that what happens in any given spacetime region be determined only by what has happened in its absolute past, i.e., in the backward light-cone drawn from that region. This requirement must be modified, for it is inconsistent with the implications of quantum theory expressed by a generalized version of Bell's theorem. Revamping the causal spacetime structure of the Whitehead-Heisenberg ontology to bring it into accord with the generalized Bell's theorem creates the possibility of a nonlocal causal covariant theory that accords with the statistical prediction of quantum theory.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J. S. Bell,Physics 1, 195 (1964); and inFoundations of Quantum Mechanics (Proceedings of the Enrico Fermi International Summer School, Course IL) (Academic Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  2. H. P. Stapp, Correlation Experiments and the Nonvalidity of Ordinary Ideas About the Physical World, Berkeley Preprint 1968 and LBL-5333;Phys. Rev. D 3, 1303 (1971); Are Superluminal Connections Necessary,Nuovo Cimento (1977), to be published; J. F. Clauser and M. A. Horne,Phys. Rev. D 10, 526 (1974); N. Herbert,Am. J. Phys. 43, 315 (1975); A. Aspect,Phys. Rev. 14D, 1944 (1976); G. Lochak,Found. Phys. 6, 173 (1976); P. H. Eberhard,Nuovo Cimento (1977), to be published; N. Herbert and J. Karush, Generalization of Bell's Theorem,Found. Phys., to be published.

  3. N. Bohr,Atomic Theory and the Description of Nature (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England, 1934);Atomic Physics and Human Knowledge (Wiley, New York, 1958);Essays 1958/1962 on Atomic Physics and Human Knowledge (Wiley, New York, 1963).

    Google Scholar 

  4. H. P. Stapp,Am. J. Phys. 40, 1098 (1972);Phys. Rev. D 3, 1303 (1971); The Pragmatic Interpretation of Quantum Theory, LBL 759 (App. A).

    Google Scholar 

  5. J. von Neumann,Mathematical Foundation of Quantum Theory (Princeton University Press, Princeton, N. J., 1955).

    Google Scholar 

  6. G. Ludwig,Z. Phys. 152, 98 (1958); and inWerner Heisenberg und die Physik unserer Zeit (Braunschweig, Vieweg, 1961).

    Google Scholar 

  7. E. Wigner, inThe Scientist Speculates, I. J. Good, ed., (W. Heinemann, London, 1961).

    Google Scholar 

  8. H. Everett III,Rev. Mod. Phys. 29, 454 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  9. H. Everettet al., inThe Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Theory, B. DeWitt and N. Graham, eds. (Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J., 1973).

    Google Scholar 

  10. H. P. Stapp, Foundations of S-Matrix Theory: Theory and Experiment, LBL 759 (Rev.); D. Iagolnitzer,The S Matrix (Holland Press, 1978).

  11. A. N. Whitehead,Process and Reality (Macmillan, New York, 1929).

    Google Scholar 

  12. W. Heisenberg,Physics and Philosophy (Harper, New York, 1958).

    Google Scholar 

  13. H. P. Stapp,Nuovo Cimento 29, 270 (1975);Found. Phys. 7,313 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  14. K. Godël, inAlbert Einstein, Philosopher-Physicist, P. A. Schilpp, ed., (Tudor Publishing Co., New York, 1951).

    Google Scholar 

  15. J. M. Burgers,Rev. Mod. Phys. 35, 145 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  16. A. Shimony, inQuantum Physics and the Philosophy of A. N. Whitehead (Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science, Vol. II), R. S. Cohen and M. Wartofsky, eds. (Humanities Press, New York, 1965).

    Google Scholar 

  17. W. Heisenberg,Daedalus 87, 95 (1958), p. 99.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Based on lectures given at the University of Texas, March–May 1977. This work was supported in part by the United States Energy Research and Development Agency, in part by the University of Texas, and in part by CERN.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Stapp, H.P. Whiteheadian approach to quantum theory and the generalized Bell's theorem. Found Phys 9, 1–25 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00715049

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00715049

Keywords

Navigation