Causation, Symmetry and Quantum Physics: Space-like Causality and Conserved Quantities

Abstract

This work addresses the problem of causation in physics, as for quantum fields, the fundamental theory describing elementary particle physics. Three basic elements are used as methodological concepts: a) the notion of mass-point and the notion of a field (as quantum field) describing a physical system (both concepts are used in physics to characterize elementary particles); b) the notion of state of a mass-point and of a field; c) the notion of causality among states, which are defined by symmetries. Then time and space changes include a space-like causality. These elements are discussed by using the definition of measurement, associated with the notion of symmetry. The derived results give rise to a generalization of the concept of causality, since a mechanical system includes mass-points, fields, and systems composed of mass-points and fields, together. In addition, conserved quantities, founding some causality theories, are generalized due to the notion of symmetry associated with causality.