On removing the classical-quantum boundary

Abstract

We argue that it is adherence to the axiom of counterfactual definiteness and not to that of locality and realism that results in Bell inequality violations. Furthermore, this axiom is not supported in classical mechanics because of deeper implications that arise from the principle of stationary action. This means that the Bell inequality fails classically, effectively removing the classical-quantum boundary–a conclusion prophesized by Bell himself. An implication here is that a local hidden variable theory, in the configuration space of classical mechanics, may not be ruled out. Basing our idea on Jacobi’s “initial variable” framework, we propose that a classical path of stationary action that recedes into the infinite past and stretches into an infinite future implies a reality that lacks counterfactual definiteness. We then corroborate this with recent experimental results, through which it could be understood that our world could be such a reality.