Abstract
The existence of non-local correlations between outcomes of measurements in quantum entangled systems strongly suggests that we are dealing with some form of causation here. An assessment of this conjecture in the context of the collapse interpretation of quantum mechanics is the primary goal of this paper. Following the counterfactual approach to causation, I argue that the details of the underlying causal mechanism which could explain the non-local correlations in entangled states strongly depend on the adopted semantics for counterfactuals. Several relativistically-invariant interpretations of spatiotemporal counterfactual conditionals are discussed, and the corresponding causal stories describing interactions between parts of an entangled system are evaluated. It is observed that the most controversial feature of the postulated causal connections is not so much their non-local character as a peculiar type of circularity that affects them.
Highlights
The phenomenon of quantum entanglement does not cease to intrigue and inspire scientifically-oriented philosophers
Following the counterfactual approach to causation, I argue that the details of the underlying causal mechanism which could explain the non-local correlations in entangled states strongly depend on the adopted semantics for counterfactuals
In our subsequent analysis we will to a certain extent adopt both approaches, first eliminating those philosophical analyses of counterfactuals/causality that deliver implausible verdicts with respect to the case at hand, and applying the remaining conceptions to find the sought-after answers to the metaphysical questions concerning the nature of quantum non-local phenomena
Summary
The phenomenon of quantum entanglement does not cease to intrigue and inspire scientifically-oriented philosophers. Given the enormous variety of the different conceptions of causal relations proposed in the literature, we have to decide which philosophical analysis of causation to use in our discussion of quantum non-local correlations. In our subsequent analysis we will to a certain extent adopt both approaches, first eliminating those philosophical analyses of counterfactuals/causality that deliver implausible verdicts with respect to the case at hand, and applying the remaining conceptions to find the sought-after answers to the metaphysical questions concerning the nature of quantum non-local phenomena. Adopting a dispositional interpretation of quantum states together with a counterfactual reading of dispositional properties, we will propose three causal models of non-local interactions occurring as a result of measurements performed on one part of an entangled system. The last section sums up the main results of the paper and highlights the non-standard character of the three causal models developed in the paper
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