Physical Meaning of the Performed Experiments Concerning the EPR Paradox

Abstract

Two types of inequalities have been proposed for the experimental study of the Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen (EPR) paradox. Those of the first type (“ weak inequalities”), like the original one due to Bell, can be deduced from local realism alone. Those of the second type (“ strong inequalities”) can be deduced only thanks to the introduction of some assumption additional to local realism. All such “ additional assumptions” are reviewed and discussed. They are essentally arbitrary assumptions and no evidence exists supporting their validity. The performed experiments with atomic photon pairs violate only strong inequalities. Therefore local realism is still compatible with the existing empirical evidence.