Q&A: Causality in Quantum Mechanics
Causality in Quantum Mechanics
Question
What kind of causality is there in quantum mechanics? It seems to someone like me, without broad knowledge of physics, that there is randomness here. And there is no freedom here either, because an electron has no discretion, for example.
Answer
First, there is still a dispute about whether there is causality there at all. It depends on the interpretations. But even according to the common interpretation, which claims that there is no causality, that is on the local level. There is still causality in the sense that the quantum nature of the world causes things to happen in this way. In an empty world with no laws at all, particles would not emerge from the vacuum, nor would other quantum phenomena occur. The nature of the world is the causal factor behind quantum events.
Discussion on Answer
Regarding the dispute I mentioned, you can search online for it (interpretations of quantum theory, the interplay between locality and causality). As for the second point, that is my own claim. I am not familiar with any sources for it.
Where can I read about this topic?