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Backward causation, hidden variables and the meaning of completeness

  • Foundations Of Quantum Theory
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Abstract

Bell’s theorem requires the assumption that hidden variables are independent of future measurement settings. This independence assumption rests on surprisingly shaky ground. In particular, it is puzzlingly time-asymmetric. The paper begins with a summary of the case for considering hidden variable models which, in abandoning this independence assumption, allow a degree of ‘backward causation’. The remainder of the paper clarifies the physical significance of such models, in relation to the issue as to whether quantum mechanics provides a complete description of physical reality.

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Price, H. Backward causation, hidden variables and the meaning of completeness. Pramana - J Phys 56, 199–209 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12043-001-0117-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12043-001-0117-6

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