Spacelike and Timelike Non-Locality

Abstract

In this thesis, I analyze the concepts of spacelike and timelike non-locality in the context of Bell’s conceptual framework and the EPR-type thought experiment. After defining locality in this context, I argue in favor of a Shimonian subdivision of independence assumptions about parameters of an EPR-type thought experiment and I argue against alternative subdivisions. I then discuss direct timelike analogues of spacelike locality that have recently been introduced in the literature on quantum foundations. I argue that there are indeed good reasons for considering the possibilities for timelike non-locality, but that the formal similarity between spacelike and timelike locality in the context of Bell’s conceptual framework is misleading. I conclude that spacelike and timelike non-locality are strongly disanalogous.