How to use quantum theory locally to explain "non-local" correlations

TL;DR

This paper argues that quantum correlations violating Bell inequalities do not imply non-locality, by interpreting quantum theory through a pragmatist lens that aligns with locality and causality principles.

Contribution

It presents a novel interpretation of quantum theory that resolves apparent conflicts with relativity by emphasizing the inapplicability of Bell's principles to quantum explanations.

Findings

Quantum theory can explain Bell-inequality violations without non-locality.

Bell's locality principles are inapplicable to quantum theory under a pragmatist interpretation.

There is no fundamental conflict between quantum mechanics and relativity.

Abstract

J.S. Bell's work has convinced many that correlations in violation of CHSH inequalities show that the world itself is non-local, and that there is an apparently essential conflict between any sharp formulation of quantum theory and relativity. Against this consensus, this paper argues that there is no conflict between quantum theory and relativity. Quantum theory itself helps us explain such (otherwise) puzzling correlations in a way that contradicts neither Bell's intuitive locality principle nor his local causality condition. The argument depends on understanding quantum theory along pragmatist lines, and on a more general view of how that theory helps us explain. Quantum theory is compatible with Bell's intuitive locality principle and with his local causality condition not because it conforms to them, but because they are simply inapplicable to quantum theory, as so understood.