Subquantum physics: nonlocality, pilot-waves & breaking the Born rule with Prof Antony Valentini

Subquantum physics: nonlocality, pilot-waves & breaking the Born rule with Prof Antony Valentini

From Quantum Foundations Podcast by Maria Violaris

May 11, 2026 · 2h 6m · Episode 15

About this episode

Prof Antony Valentini discusses the implications of subquantum physics and pilot-wave theory in relation to nonlocality and the Born rule.

Quantum theory appears to allow some kind of connection between entangled particles, but not enough to send messages. Antony Valentini argues this is a conspiracy: there must be something deeper than quantum, where nonlocality can actually be used to send messages, but it is hidden from view in standard quantum experiments. In this episode of the Quantum Foundations Podcast, Valentini uses Pilot-wave theory to explain the physics of the nonlocal subquantum world. He discusses various ways that the theory could be experimentally tested, by looking for signatures of violations of the Born rule in extreme environments, such as the early universe. He also discusses the radical technological implications of subquantum physics, if we were able to harness it. Valentini recently released a book for a general audience explaining these ideas, "Beyond the Quantum: A Quest for the Origin and Hidden Meaning of Quantum Mechanics".

People in this episode

Host: Maria Violaris

Guest: Prof Antony Valentini

Topics covered

  • subquantum physics
  • nonlocality
  • pilot-wave theory
  • Born rule
  • quantum mechanics
  • experimental testing
  • technological implications

Keywords

  • quantum theory
  • entangled particles
  • nonlocality
  • pilot-wave theory
  • Born rule
  • experimental testing
  • early universe
  • technological implications

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Beyond the Quantum: A Quest for the Origin and Hidden Meaning of Quantum Mechanics

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