Quantum Nonlocality and Reality
50 Years of Bell's Theorem

A collaboration between distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics, this important anthology surveys the deep implications of Bell's nonlocality theorem.

Mary Bell (Edited by), Shan Gao (Edited by)

9781107104341, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 September 2016

458 pages, 47 b/w illus.
24.4 x 17 x 2.5 cm, 1.04 kg

'Even though the book's four parts cover different topics, there is … no strict division of the papers. For example, recollections of Bell are not only in Part I … Many of the other papers contain recollections as well. … In addition, discussions on the nature of non-locality often go together with consideration of precise versions of quantum mechanics. … this is overall a very nice anthology, with high-level contributions. They cover a broad range of topics related to Bell's work … ranging from topics on locality to the structure of physical theories. The recollections provide good insight into Bell as a person. … The summaries of the contributions in the preface are well done. The contributors are a well-balanced mix of both physicists and philosophers. I warmly recommend this book to anyone interested in this important and fascinating aspect of the quantum world.' Ward Struyve, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

Combining twenty-six original essays written by an impressive line-up of distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics, this anthology reflects some of the latest thoughts by leading experts on the influence of Bell's theorem on quantum physics. Essays progress from John Bell's character and background, through studies of his main work, and on to more speculative ideas, addressing the controversies surrounding the theorem, and investigating the theorem's meaning and its deep implications for the nature of physical reality. Combined, they present a powerful comment on the undeniable significance of Bell's theorem for the development of ideas in quantum physics over the past 50 years. Questions surrounding the assumptions and significance of Bell's work still inspire discussion in the field of quantum physics. Adding to this with a theoretical and philosophical perspective, this balanced anthology is an indispensable volume for students and researchers interested in the philosophy of physics and the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Preface
Part I. John Stewart Bell: The Physicist: 1. John Bell: the Irish connection Andrew Whitaker
2. Recollections of John Bell Michael Nauenberg
3. John Bell: recollections of a great scientist and a great man Gian-Carlo Ghirardi
Part II. Bell's Theorem: 4. What did Bell really prove? Jean Bricmont
5. The assumptions of Bell's proof Roderich Tumulka
6. Bell on Bell's theorem: the changing face of nonlocality Harvey R. Brown and Christopher G. Timpson
7. Experimental tests of Bell inequalities Marco Genovese
8. Bell's theorem without inequalities: on the inception and scope of the GHZ theorem Olival Freire, Jr and Osvaldo Pessoa, Jr
9. Strengthening Bell's theorem: removing the hidden-variable assumption Henry P. Stapp
Part III. Nonlocality: Illusions or Reality?: 10. Is any theory compatible with the quantum predictions necessarily nonlocal? Bernard d'Espagnat
11. Local causality, probability and explanation Richard A. Healey
12. Bell inequality and many-worlds interpretation Lev Vaidman
13. Quantum solipsism and non-locality Travis Norsen
14. Lessons of Bell's theorem: nonlocality, yes
action at a distance, not necessarily Wayne C. Myrvold
15. Bell non-locality, Hardy's paradox and hyperplane dependence Gordon N. Fleming
16. Some thoughts on quantum nonlocality and its apparent incompatibility with relativity Shan Gao
17. A reasonable thing that just might work Daniel Rohrlich
18. Weak values and quantum nonlocality Yakir Aharonov and Eliahu Cohen
Part IV. Nonlocal Realistic Theories: 19. Local beables and the foundations of physics Tim Maudlin
20. John Bell's varying interpretations of quantum mechanics: memories and comments H. Dieter Zeh
21. Some personal reflections on quantum non-locality and the contributions of John Bell Basil J. Hiley
22. Bell on Bohm Sheldon Goldstein
23. Interactions and inequality Philip Pearle
24. Gravitation and the noise needed in objective reduction models Stephen L. Adler
25. Towards an objective physics of Bell non-locality: palatial twistor theory Roger Penrose
26. Measurement and macroscopicity: overcoming conceptual imprecision in quantum measurement theory Gregg Jaeger
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA]