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Project

Reconciliation of quantum non-locality with relativistic locality

Quantum theory and relativity theory are two pillars of modern day
theoretical physics. Quantum theory gives the description of
microscopic systems, while relativity theory mainly deals with the
large-scale structure of space-time. However, there is a tension
between these theories. On the one hand, relativity theory is a theory
in which locality holds: this means that there are no faster than light
influences. On the other hand, quantum mechanics predicts for
particular systems certain correlations between measurement
outcomes that cannot be explained by a local theory. This is the
content of Bell's theorem, which has been confirmed experimentally.
The goal of this project is to investigate this tension between
quantum non-locality and relativistic locality by looking at two
alternatives to quantum theory, called Bohmian mechanics and
spontaneous collapse theories. Such alternatives solve the notorious
measurement problem of standard quantum mechanics, by providing
a precise ontology and dynamics. The goal is to get clear on what
exactly the desiderata of relativistic theory are and whether they can
be implemented in these precise versions of quantum theory.

Date:1 Jan 2022 →  Today
Keywords:Bohmian mechanics, metaphysics of space-time, ontology of physical theories
Disciplines:Philosophy of natural sciences, Quantum physics not elsewhere classified