Abstract Thomas Filk

Relational Quantum Events, and Extended Presend, and the Problem of Non-locality in Quantum Theory

Abstract:

It will be argued that some of the apparently weird aspects of quantum theory (the particle-wave duality, the double-slit experiment, and even quantum correlations) become almost natural when a relational concept of “location” is adopted. When this relational concept is transferred to the level of events, we are lead to a loss of sequential time (“a before b” and “b before a” are not longer exclusive) and an extended present.

This relational concept may also shed light onto the problem of “instantaneous” state collapse of non-local states (like, e.g., EPR states): One does not have to give up non-locality (in the relational meaning), even if one attributes an ontological (objective) element to the quantum state of a system.

It will also be shown that the relational formalism is a natural mathematical representation of the “E-scheme” – the categorical scheme of Albrecht von Müller which applies to the “statu nascendi” of reality. One “weird” aspect of quantum theory, however, will still be present in the relational picture: the non-deterministic nature of the transition from potentiality to facts. This is in full accordance with the requirements of the E-scheme.