Uploaded July 2019 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
While QFTs have a background causal structure, we expect causal structure and quantum theory to have a deeper relationship in quantum gravity. In the last decade (2007), Lucien Hardy has suggested that the radical aspects of quantum physics (probabilistic nature) and relativity (dynamic causality) would both manifest in such a theory giving rise to indefinite causal orders between events. Since then there has been an active interest in studying causally neutral formulations of quantum theory (states and channels at the same footing); and in particular the study of indefinite causal orders, that exhibit new phenomenon. These frameworks often employ minimum space-time considerations rendering the ontology of this indefiniteness obscure. I will present a constructive toy theory for a quantum 1+1 D space-time that exhibits locally definite but globally indefinite causal structures, which reproduces phenomenon like the quantum switch, and attempts to illuminate the ontology of indefinite causal orders.
Foundations of Quantum Field Theory: 2019 Annual Philosophy of Physics Conference
June 12 - 14, 2019
Nitica Sakharwade, Perimeter Institute
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While QFTs have a background causal structure, we expect causal structure and quantum theory to have a deeper relationship in quantum gravity. In the last decade (2007), Lucien Hardy has suggested that the radical aspects of quantum physics (probabilistic nature) and relativity (dynamic causality) would both manifest in such a theory giving rise to indefinite causal orders between events. Since then there has been an active interest in studying causally neutral formulations of quantum theory (states and channels at the same footing); and in particular the study of indefinite causal orders, that exhibit new phenomenon. These frameworks often employ minimum space-time considerations rendering the ontology of this indefiniteness obscure. I will present a constructive toy theory for a quantum 1+1 D space-time that exhibits locally definite but globally indefinite causal structures, which reproduces phenomenon like the quantum switch, and attempts to illuminate the ontology of indefinite causal orders.
Foundations of Quantum Field Theory: 2019 Annual Philosophy of Physics Conference
June 12 - 14, 2019
Nitica Sakharwade, Perimeter Institute
Visit the Rotman website for more information on applications, events, project descriptions, and openings. rotman.uwo.ca
Follow The Rotman Institute on Twitter: twitter.com/rotmanphilo
Like The Rotman Institute on Facebook: facebook.com/rotmanphilosophy
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/user/rotmanphilosophy
