Ch. 4 - Alternative Histories
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 11:43 pm
Ch. 4 - Alternative Histories
Please use this thread for discussing Ch. 4 - Alternative Histories.
Please use this thread for discussing Ch. 4 - Alternative Histories.
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You're basically wondering about the possibility of a hidden-variable theory of quantum mechanics, in which something more concrete underlies the mathematics of probabilities generally used to describe quantum mechanics. A finding called Bell's theorem shows that a hidden-variable theory won't work. This Wikipedia article provides more details, but it's very difficult for a non-physicist to understand.Dexter wrote: But then the leap to saying the electron therefore exists simultaneously in many locations based on probabilities does seem more mysterious. I'm sure I'm leaving out some complications, but my question is whether the inherent inability to measure is essentially the only thing leading to this interpretation of simultaneous position and paths (i.e. the discussion on Feynman's "alternative histories" approach beginning on p. 74).
Yes, I remembered reading something about that, but only a superficial version of it -- that's Einstein's "spooky action at a distance" right? That's where QM gets really mind-blowing. I've read several popular books on physics -- I recall Brian Greene's book had a description of it -- but I need to read more on that, at least as far as I'm able to. Any good popular or semi-popular sources? I even have the (perhaps too optimistic) idea that one day I will learn at least some of the math to go a little further. I still have a decent if a bit rusty knowledge of calculus, so I'm always looking for good book beyond the standard popular treatment but less than a textbook.JulianTheApostate wrote: You're basically wondering about the possibility of a hidden-variable theory of quantum mechanics, in which something more concrete underlies the mathematics of probabilities generally used to describe quantum mechanics. A finding called Bell's theorem shows that a hidden-variable theory won't work. This Wikipedia article provides more details, but it's very difficult for a non-physicist to understand.