Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity: Metaphysical Intimations of Modern Physics, 2nd Edition

by Tim Maudlin (Rutgers University)

• ISBN13: 9780631232216
• ISBN10: 0631232214
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-02-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Modern physics was born from two great revolutions: relativity and the quantum theory. Relativity imposed a locality constraint on physical theories: since nothing can go faster than light, very distant events cannot influence one another. Only in the last few decades has it become clear that the quantum theory violates this constraint. The work of J.S. Bell has demonstrated that no local theory can return the predictions of quantum theory. Thus it would seem that the central pillars of modern physics are contradictory.

Author Biography

Tim Maudlin is Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University. He specializes in philosophy of science, especially philosophy of physics, metaphysics as informed by relativity and quantum theory, and the methodology of science.

Table of Contents

Preface to First Edition	vi
Preface to Second Edition	x
Introduction	1	(5)
Bell's Theorem: The Price of Locality	6	(23)
Appendix A: The GHZ Scheme	24	(5)
Relativity and Space-time Structure	29	(32)
Finger Exercise: Superluminal Matter Transport	61	(20)
Controlling the Connection: Signals	81	(44)
Appendix B: Bohmian Mechanics	116	(9)
Causation	125	(37)
Secret Messages	162	(27)
Points of View	189	(34)
Life in Elastic Space-time	223	(17)
Morals	240	(3)
An Overview of Quantum Mechanics	243	(25)
References	268	(5)
Index	273