What is retrocausality?

Retrocausality is a concept in philosophy and physics that suggests that events in the future can influence events in the past. In other words, it posits that causation could flow in reverse, allowing future conditions or actions to have an effect on past events. This idea contrasts with the conventional understanding of causality, where causes lead to effects in a unidirectional manner from past to future. Retrocausality raises intriguing questions, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics and theories of time. Some interpretations of quantum mechanics, such as the transactional interpretation or certain approaches to the measurement problem, entertain the possibility of retrocausal influences. In philosophy, retrocausality is often discussed in discussions of time travel, the nature of time, and determinism. It prompts debates about free will, the nature of time itself, and whether or not past events can be altered by future actions. Overall, retrocausality is a complex and controversial topic that remains a subject of ongoing research and debate in both scientific and philosophical circles.