arXiv subjects

Michael Silberstein

Publications and source records attributed to Michael Silberstein.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2006

Quantum to Classical Transition per the Relational Blockworld

The transition from the quantum realm to the classical realm is described in the context of the Relational Blockworld (RBW) interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. We first introduce RBW, discuss its philosophical implications and provide an example of its explanatory methodology via the so-called "quantum liar experiment." We then provide a simple example of a quantum to classical transition in this context using a gedanken twin-slit experiment. We conclude by speculating on the extrapolation of RBW to quantum field theory, suggesting the need for a new principle of physics based in spatiotemporal relationalism. Accordingly, RBW suggests a novel approach to new physics which supplies a means for its falsification.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2006

An Argument for 4D Blockworld from a Geometric Interpretation of Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics

We use a new distinctly "geometrical" interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics (NRQM) to argue for the fundamentality of the 4D blockworld ontology. Our interpretation rests on two formal results: Kaiser, Bohr & Ulfbeck and Anandan showed independently that the Heisenberg commutation relations of NRQM follow from the relativity of simultaneity (RoS) per the Poincare Lie algebra, and Bohr, Ulfbeck & Mottelson showed that the density matrix for a particular NRQM experimental outcome may be obtained from the spacetime symmetry group of the experimental configuration. Together these formal results imply that contrary to accepted wisdom, NRQM, the measurement problem and so-called quantum non-locality do not provide reasons to abandon the 4D blockworld implication of RoS. After discussing the full philosophical implications of these formal results, we motivate and derive the Born rule in the context of our ontology of spacetime relations via Anandan. Finally, we apply our explanatory and descriptive methodology to a particular experimental set-up (the so-called "quantum liar experiment") and thereby show how the blockworld view is not only consistent with NRQM, not only an implication of our geometrical interpretation of NRQM, but it is necessary in a non-trivial way for explaining quantum interference and "non-locality" from the spacetime perspective.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2005

Deflating Quantum Mysteries via the Relational Blockworld

We present a spacetime setting for non-relativistic quantum mechanics that deflates "quantum mysteries" and relates non-relativistic quantum mechanics to special relativity. This is achieved by assuming spacetime symmetries are fundamental in a blockworld setting, i.e., by interpreting spacetime relations as fundamental to relata. To justify this Relational Blockworld (RBW), we adopt a result due to G. Kaiser whereby the relativity of simultaneity, stemming from the Poincare algebra of special relativity, is responsible for the canonical commutation relations of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. And, we incorporate a result due to A. Bohr, B. Mottelson and O. Ulfbeck whereby the density matrix for a given experimental situation is obtained from its spacetime symmetry group. We provide an example to illustrate the explanatory nature of RBW and conclude by explaining how RBW deflates "quantum mysteries."

quant-ph↗

arXiv2001

Uniform Spaces in the Pregeometric Modeling of Quantum Non-Separability

We introduce a pregeometry employing uniform spaces over the denumerable set X of spacetime events. The discrete uniformity D_X over X is used to obtain a pregeometric model of macroscopic spacetime neighborhoods. We then use a uniformity base generated by a topological group structure over X to provide a pregeometric model of microscopic spacetime neighborhoods. Accordingly, quantum non-separability as it pertains to non-locality is understood pregeometrically as a contrast between microscopic spacetime neighborhoods and macroscopic spacetime neighborhoods. A nexus between this pregeometry and conventional spacetime physics is implied per the metric induced by D_X. A metric over the topological group Z2 x ... x Z2 is so generated. Implications for quantum gravity are enumerated.

gr-qc↗