The Department of Logic & Philosophy of Science Colloquium Series presents

"How to Use Quantum Mechanics Locally to Explain Non-localized Correlations"
with Richard Healey, Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona

Friday, October 10, 2014
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Social Sciences Tower, Room 777 (LPS Conference Room)

Quantum mechanics is highly valued because it can be used to explain a wide variety of otherwise puzzling phenomena. But J.S. Bell argued “that certain particular correlations, realizable according to quantum mechanics, are locally inexplicable. They cannot be explained, that is to say, without action at a distance.” Bell’s argument presents us with a dilemma: either there is (instantaneous) action at a distance or the “particular correlations” are simply inexplicable. In this talk, Healey will reject the dilemma and argue for a third option—that quantum theory /itself /gives us a way to explain these correlations with no instantaneous action at a distance. This option becomes visible only after the removal of preconceptions about probability, explanation and causation that have obscured it.

For further information, please contact Patty Jones, patty.jones@uci.edu or 949.824.1520.