Relativistic Causality in Algebraic Quantum Field Theory

• Published in: International studies in the philosophy of science Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 1 - 48
• Main Authors: Earman, John, Valente, Giovanni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 02-01-2014; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Algebra; Axiomatization; Causality; Correlation; Correlation analysis; Evaluation; Mathematical models; Quantum field theory; Quantum physics; Taxonomy; Theorems; Vocabularies & taxonomies
• ISSN: 0269-8595; 1469-9281
• DOI: 10.1080/02698595.2014.915652

This paper surveys the issue of relativistic causality within the framework of algebraic quantum field theory (AQFT). In doing so, we distinguish various notions of causality formulated in the literature and study their relationships, and thereby we offer what we hope to be a useful taxonomy. We propose that the most direct expression of relativistic causality in AQFT is captured not (as has sometimes been claimed) by the spectrum condition but rather by the axiom of local primitive causality, in that it entails a form of local determinism for quantum fields which generalizes the constraint of no superluminal propagation of classical field theories to relativistic quantum field theory. We discuss the status of the axiom of micro-causality by locating its place within a large family of separability/independence/locality conditions developed for AQFT and also by relating it to so-called no-signalling theorems. And we also provide a critical survey of attempts to understand the implications for relativistic causality of the distant correlations endemic to the states in models of AQFT satisfying the standard axioms, and we provide an assessment of attempts to employ Reichenbach's common cause principle in AQFT to defuse worries that these distant correlations implicate direct causal connections between relatively spacelike events.