On Hidden-Variable Theories

Abstract
An abstract definition of a general hidden‐variables theory is given, and it is shown that such a theory is always possible in the present framework of quantum mechanics and is, in fact, unique in a certain sense. It is noted that the Bohm‐Bub hidden‐variables example is contained in this theory and an attempt is made to clarify the position of this theory with respect to hidden‐variable impossibility proofs. The general definition is used in the consideration of quantum‐mechanical ordering and the measurement process.