ABSTRACT
We discuss how to embed quantum non-locality in an approximately classical
space-time background, a question which must be answered irrespective of
any underlying microscopic theory of space-time. We argue that, in deter-
ministic hidden-variables theories, the choice of space-time kinematics
should be dictated by the properties of generic non-equilibrium states, which
allow non-local signaling. Such signaling provides an operational definition
of absolute simultaneity, which may naturally be associated with a preferred
foliation of classical space-time. The argument applies to any deterministic hidden-variables theory, and to both flat and curved space-time back-
grounds. We include some critical discussion of Einstein’s 1905 ‘‘operational’’
approach to relativity, and compare it with that of Poincare´.
