Can Bohmian mechanics be made background independent?

DOI10.1016/J.SHPSB.2015.08.005zbMATH Open1329.81083arXiv1509.00734OpenAlexW1756483322WikidataQ62041236 ScholiaQ62041236MaRDI QIDQ905665FDOQ905665

Authors: Antonio Vassallo 

Publication date: 27 January 2016

Published in: Studies in History and Philosophy of Science. Part B. Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: The paper presents an inquiry into the question regarding the compatibility of Bohmian mechanics, intended as a non-local theory of moving point-like particles, with background independence. This issue is worth being investigated because, if the Bohmian framework has to be of some help in developing new physics, it has to be compatible with the most well-established traits of modern physics, background independence being one of such traits. The paper highlights the fact that the notion of background independence in the context of spacetime physics is slippery and interpretation-laden. It is then suggested that the best-matching framework developed by Julian Barbour might provide a robust enough meaning of background independence. The structure of Bohmian dynamics is evaluated against this framework, reaching some intermediate results that speak in favor of the fact that Bohmian mechanics can be made background independent.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1509.00734

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zbMATH Keywords

background independenceBohmian mechanicsshape spacebest-matching

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Physics (00A79) General and philosophical questions in quantum theory (81P05) Stochastic mechanics (including stochastic electrodynamics) (81P20) Alternative quantum mechanics (including hidden variables, etc.) (81Q65)

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Cited In (5)

• Can a Bohmian be a Rovellian for all practical purposes?
• On the conceptual issues surrounding the notion of relational Bohmian dynamics
• A proposal for a metaphysics of self-subsisting structures. II: Quantum physics
• Background independent quantum mechanics, metric of quantum states, and gravity: A comprehensive perspective
• Can elementary quantum mechanics explain the Aharonov–Bohm effect?

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