Quantum Objects

This book explains non-locality and its relationship to causality and probability in quantum theory. It displays foundational characteristics of quantum physics to understand conceptual origins of the unusual nature of quantum phenomena.

This monograph identifies the essential characteristics of the objects described by current quantum theory and considers their relationship to space-time. In the process, it explicates the senses in which quantum objects may be consistently considered to have parts of which they may be composed or into which they may be decomposed. The book also demonstrates the degree to which reduction is possible in quantum mechanics, showing it to be related to the objective indefiniteness of quantum properties and the strong non-local correlations that can occur between the physical quantities of quantum subsystems. Careful attention is paid to the relationships among such property correlations, physical causation, probability, and symmetry in quantum theory. In this way, the text identifies and clarifies the conceptual grounds underlying the unique nature of many quantum phenomena.

Gives a careful review of existing views regarding key elements of the foundations of quantum theory Explains quantum non-local property correlation and its relationship to causality and probability Supplies a detailed discussion of non-local correlation within and beyond the bounds set by standard quantum mechanics Explains the implications for fundamental physical concepts of the uniquely quantum phenomena Describes the subtle relationship of quantum subsystems to space-time Confronts the old approaches with recent results and approaches from quantum information theory Offers elements of the interpretation of quantum mechanics in light of recent advances in quantum foundations and the philosophy of science Delivers a clear and thorough analysis of the quantum events in the context of relativistic space-time, which impacts the problem of creating a theory of quantum gravity Gives a detailed discussion of probabilistic causation (central to contemporary accounts of causation) in quantum mechanics and relativity Leads a thorough discussion of the nature of "quantum potentiality," the novel form of existence arising for the first time in quantum mechanics

Contenu
Non-locality, Communication, and Entanglement.- Einstein locality.- Bell locality.- Communication.- Non-locality.- Entanglement.- Causation, Imprecision, and Indefiniteness.- Probability.- Causation.- Indeterminacy.- Imprecision.- Indefiniteness.- Individuals, Parts, and Wholes.- Potentiality.- Discernibility.- Individuation.- Persistence.- Parts and wholes.