Comment on "Bell inequalities and quantum mechanics" by J. H. Eberly

Luiz Carlos Ryff

Published 2009-02-10Version 1

Errors in Eberly's derivation of several Bell inequalities are pointed out: (1) it is based on an equation that is incorrect; (2) it uses neither two-particle states nor locality to derive Bell's inequalities and; (3) it does not use entanglement to obtain violations of Bell's inequalities. Even leading and outstanding physicists -- as certainly is the case of Prof. Eberly -- sometimes make elementary mistakes, and this by no means diminishes the importance of their scientific contribution. In general, this is a consequence of an excessive attachment to an idea (nowadays it has become fashionable to be against realism). This shows the importance of trying to keep an open mind.