ASPECTS OF QUANTUM NONLOCALITY - I - SUPERLUMINAL SIGNALING, ACTION-AT-A-DISTANCE, NONSEPARABILITY AND HOLISM

In this paper and its sequel, I consider the significance of Jarrett's and Shimony's analyses of the so-called factorisability (Bell-localit y) condition for clarifying the nature of quantum non-locality. In thi s paper, I focus on four types of non-locality: superluminal signallin g, action-at-a-distance, non-separability and holism. In the second pa per, I consider a fifth type of non-locality: superluminal causation a ccording to 'logically weak' concepts of causation, where causal depen dence requires neither action nor signalling. In this connection, I pa y special attention to the difficulties that superluminal causation ra ises in relativistic space-time. I conclude by evaluating the relevanc e of Jarrett's and Shimony's analyses for clarifying the question of t he compatibility of quantum non-locality with relativity theory. My ma in conclusions are, first: these analyses are-significant for clarifyi ng the questions of superluminal signalling in quantum phenomena and f or the compatibility of these phenomena with relativity. But, second, by contrast: these analyses are not very significant for the study of action-at-a distance, superluminal causation, non-separability and hol ism in quantum phenomena. (C) 1988 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.