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Retrocausal models for EPR
Citation
Corry, RL, Retrocausal models for EPR, Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, 49 pp. 1-9. ISSN 1355-2198 (2015) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2015 Elsevier
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.shpsb.2014.11.001
Abstract
This paper takes up Huw Price׳s challenge to develop a retrocausal toy model of the Bell-EPR experiment. I develop three such models which show that a consistent, local, hidden-variables interpretation of the EPR experiment is indeed possible, and which give a feel for the kind of retrocausation involved. The first of the models also makes clear a problematic feature of retrocausation: it seems that we cannot interpret the hidden elements of reality in a retrocausal model as possessing determinate dispositions to affect the outcome of experiments. This is a feature which Price has embraced, but Gordon Belot has argued that this feature renders retrocausal interpretations "unsuitable for formal development", and the lack of such determinate dispositions threatens to undermine the motivation for hidden-variables interpretations in the first place. But Price and Belot are both too quick in their assessment. I show that determinate dispositions are indeed consistent with retrocausation. What is more, I show that the ontological economy allowed by retrocausation holds out the promise of a classical understanding of spin and polarization.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Retrocausality; EPR; Toy model; Quantum mechanics; Dispositions |
Research Division: | Philosophy and Religious Studies |
Research Group: | History and philosophy of specific fields |
Research Field: | History and philosophy of science |
Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in philosophy and religious studies |
UTAS Author: | Corry, RL (Dr Richard Corry) |
ID Code: | 99517 |
Year Published: | 2015 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 6 |
Deposited By: | School of Humanities |
Deposited On: | 2015-03-26 |
Last Modified: | 2018-03-13 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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