One of the big principles about quantum mechanics is that it appears us to give up locality.
This was a big wrench and many people never came to terms with it when the theory first came to light; Einstein is said not to have wanted to give up locality and the idea of influences that moved faster than the speed of light - understandable given relativity and light as the absolute fastest speed there is!
However, according to quantum theory, we need to give up locality because it appears that certain sub-atomic particles on two sides of the universe could instantly influence the other based on a measurement performed on one. Now that is literally instantaneous communication, so it rules out there being a light signal or other electromagnetic signal between them. Instant action at a distance, which Einstein called 'spooky' is now encapsulated in the idea that quantum theory is non-local.
So you can either accept non-locality on the sub-atomic level or you can look for other explanations.
The most common suggestion is that there is another dimension that is accessible to these extremely tiny particles that is not accessible to most of us in the three large, extended dimensions of space. And that in these smaller dimension(s), the particles are actually very close indeed - just like the distance through a tunnel from A to B is a lot shorter route than going a diverted route.
And so there is locality, just through a dimension we are not aware of.
Any ideas on possible ways of preserving locality? Be interested to hear them!
David
|
