On Hidden-Variable Theories

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.