Parallel lives: A local-realistic interpretation of "nonlocal" boxes

TL;DR

This paper presents a thought experiment in a hypothetical world that is both local and realistic but violates Bell inequalities more than quantum theory, challenging common assumptions about local realism and quantum completeness.

Contribution

It introduces a local-realistic interpretation of nonlocal boxes, debunking the myth that local realism implies local hidden variables, and reinterprets the EPR argument from first principles.

Findings

A local-realistic model surpasses quantum violations of Bell inequalities.

Reinterpretation of EPR argument supports local realism.

Challenges the link between local realism and hidden variables.

Abstract

We carry out a thought experiment in an imaginary world. Our world is both local and realistic, yet it violates a Bell inequality more than does quantum theory. This serves to debunk the myth that equates local realism with local hidden variables in the simplest possible manner. Along the way, we reinterpret the celebrated 1935 argument of Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen, and come to the conclusion that they were right in their questioning the completeness of the Copenhagen version of quantum theory, provided one believes in a local-realistic universe. Throughout our journey, we strive to explain our views from first principles, without expecting mathematical sophistication nor specialized prior knowledge from the reader.