paper

Nonlocality without nonlocality

arXiv:0812.0349 · doi:10.1007/s10701-009-9305-x

Abstract

Bell's theorem is purported to demonstrate the impossibility of a local "hidden variable" theory underpinning quantum mechanics. It relies on the well-known assumption of `locality', and also on a little-examined assumption called `statistical independence' (SI). Violations of this assumption have variously been thought to suggest "backward causation", a "conspiracy" on the part of nature, or the denial of "free will". It will be shown here that these are spurious worries, and that denial of SI simply implies nonlocal correlation between spacelike degrees of freedom. Lorentz-invariant theories in which SI does not hold are easily constructed: two are exhibited here. It is conjectured, on this basis, that quantum-mechanical phenomena may be modeled by a local theory after all.

15 pages, 9 figures (some color). Changes in version 2 include (1) a correction to the abstract: Bell's theorem is now said to demonstrate the impossibility of a local hidden variable theory, (2) the "non-spacelike" initial value problem is now the "mixed" initial value problem, (3)the figures should reproduce more clearly. Comments welcome

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