CPT invariance and interpretation of quantum mechanics

Foundations of Physics 10 (7-8):513-530 (1980)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

This paper is a sequel to various papers by the author devoted to the EPR correlation. The leading idea remains that the EPR correlation (either in its well-known form of nonseparability of future measurements, or in its less well-known time-reversed form of nonseparability of past preparations) displays the intrinsic time symmetry existing in almost all physical theories at the elementary level. But, as explicit Lorentz invariance has been an essential requirement in both the formalization and the conceptualization of my papers, the noninvariant concept ofT symmetry has to yield in favor of the invariant concept ofPT symmetry, or even (asC symmetry is not universally valid) to that ofCPT invariance. A distinction is then drawn between “macro” special relativity, defined by invariance under the orthochronous Lorentz group and submission to the retarded causality concept, and “micro” special relativity, defined by invariance under the full Lorentz group and includingCPT symmetry. TheCPT theorem clearly implies that “micro special relativity”is relativity theory at the quantal level. It is thus of fundamental significance not only in the search of interaction Lagrangians, etc., but also in the basic interpretation of quantum mechanics, including the understanding of the EPR correlation. While the experimental existence of the EPR correlations is manifestly incompatible with macro relativity, it is fully consistent with micro relativity. Going from a retarded concept of causality to one that isCPT invariant has very radical consequences, which are briefly discussed

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 91,219

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Similar books and articles

Quantum Superpositions of the Speed of Light.Sabine Hossenfelder - 2012 - Foundations of Physics 42 (11):1452-1468.
Covariance, invariance, and the equivalence of frames.J. Earman - 1974 - Foundations of Physics 4 (2):267-289.
Modal interpretations and relativity.Wayne C. Myrvold - 2002 - Foundations of Physics 32 (11):1773-1784.
Factorization, Algebraization, and Shape Invariance.A. Inomata & O. Kizilkaya - 1998 - Foundations of Physics 28 (1):107-124.
Symmetries and invariances in classical physics.Katherine Brading & Elena Castellani - unknown - In Jeremy Butterfield & John Earman (eds.). Elsevier.
General relativity needs no interpretation.Erik Curiel - 2009 - Philosophy of Science 76 (1):44-72.

Analytics

Added to PP
2013-11-22

Downloads
88 (#187,281)

6 months
7 (#364,455)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?