Reconciling spacetime and the quantum: Relational blockworld and the quantum liar paradox

W. M. Stuckey, Elizabethtown College
Michael Silberstein, Elizabethtown College
Michael Cifone, University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)

Abstract

The Relational Blockworld (RBW) interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics (NRQM) is introduced. Accordingly, the spacetime of NRQM is a relational, non-separable blockworld whereby spatial distance is only defined between interacting trans-temporal objects. RBW is shown to provide a novel statistical interpretation of the wavefunction that deflates the measurement problem, as well as a geometric account of quantum entanglement and non-separability that satisfies locality per special relativity and is free of interpretative mystery. We present RBW's acausal and adynamical resolution of the so-called "quantum liar paradox," an experimental set-up alleged to be problematic for a spacetime conception of reality, and conclude by speculating on RBW's implications for quantum gravity. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.