Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity (eBook)

Tim Maudlin is Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University. He received his doctorate in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Pittsburgh. His work lies at the intersection of physics and philosophy, including the foundations of physics and logic. He is the author of Truth and Paradox (2004) and The Metaphysics within Physics (2007). Maudlin is a member of the Academie Internationale de Philosophie des Sciences and a Guggenheim Fellow.

Preface to First Edition vi

Preface to Second Edition x

Preface to Third Edition xii

Introduction 1

1 Bell's Theorem: The Price of Locality 6

Appendix A: The GHZ Scheme 24

2 Relativity and Space-time Structure 27

3 Finger Exercise: Superluminal Matter Transport 55

4 Controlling the Connection: Signals 74

Appendix B: Bohmian Mechanics 106

5 Causation 114

6 Secret Messages 148

7 Points of View 173

8 Life in Elastic Space-time 205

9 Morals 221

10 New Discoveries and Deeper Insights: The View from 2010
224

An Overview of Quantum Mechanics 260

References 284

Index 290

"Maudlin's book is outstanding, and is particularly remarkable for
three central achievements: the clearest exposition of Bell's
theorem I know of; a careful discussion of the (in)compatibility
between the implications of that theorem and relativity; and astute
suggestions for how one could deal with this problem. Maudlin is a
professional philosopher who writes on this most fundamental issue
of physics in a way that is far clearer than the work of most
physicists."

--Jean Bricmont, University of Louvain

"An absolutely indispensible read for anyone who wants to
understand the problem of "making sense" of quantum mechanics. It
is beautifully written and profoundly exciting."

--Hilary Putnam, Harvard University

"The publication of the third edition of Tim Maudlin's classic
book undoubtedly represents a most notable event. The richness and
depth of the previous editions has been enhanced by the
presentation of very recent and important investigation and debate
concerning the most crucial problem of modern physics, i.e. the
compatibility of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. Reading this
challenging and extremely deep book is a must for all people
interested in the conceptual foundations of science."

--GianCarlo Ghirardi, Professor Emeritus, University of
Trieste

Praise for the second edition

"Maudlin's book is outstanding, and is particularly remarkable
for three central achievements: the clearest exposition of Bell's
theorem I know of; a careful discussion of the (in)compatibility
between the implications of that theorem and relativity; and astute
suggestions for how one could deal with this problem. Maudlin is a
professional philosopher who writes on this most fundamental issue
of physics in a way that is far clearer than the work of most
physicists."

--Jean Bricmont, University of Louvain