1207.5294 (Sascha Vongehr)
Sascha Vongehr
Violations of Bell type inequalities in quantum experiments disprove all relativistic micro causal, classically real models. Desperate attempts at saving classicality retreated to claiming what Shimony calls a conspiracy. It is time to embrace the quantum paradigm instead of being stuck in defending it against positions on par with the belief in divinely planted fossils. However, different from 'quantum-magic' pseudoscience, there is resistance against quantum mechanics among scientific literate audiences, and it is growing. The Quantum Randi Challenge is designed to help scientists and educators discredit local realistic models and related attacks against quantum physics. Its 'Randi-type' properties are ensured via a simple computer game that can be made attractive and understandable to lay people. We introduce the general concept of a 'James Randi type' challenge as a tool for science outreach aimed against the spread of pseudoscience. This is a challenge which, according to the laws of nature as known to science, is impossible to meet. Randi challenges work simply by being known to exist while never having been overcome, despite the large rewards which would follow from meeting the challenge. This effectively refutes pseudoscientific claims according to which the challenge could easily be met. Pseudoscience exploits well meaning engagement in argument in order undermine science by artificially creating the appearance of a dispute between experts where there is none. Randi challenges allow scientists to publicly refuse to give a platform to pseudoscience without strengthening the perception of censorship and establishment conspiracy. Scientists may decline to enter rhetorical discussions "until the challenge has been met" and no-one can complain that their point of view is actively suppressed.
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http://arxiv.org/abs/1207.5294
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