The paper presents an inquiry into the question regarding the compatibility
of Bohmian mechanics, intended as a non-local theory of moving point-like
particles, with background independence. This issue is worth being investigated
because, if the Bohmian framework has to be of some help in developing new
physics, it has to be compatible with the most well-established traits of
modern physics, background independence being one of such traits. The paper
highlights the fact that the notion of background independence in the context
of spacetime physics is slippery and interpretation-laden. It is then suggested
that the best-matching framework developed by Julian Barbour might provide a
robust enough meaning of background independence. The structure of Bohmian
dynamics is evaluated against this framework, reaching some intermediate
results that speak in favor of the fact that Bohmian mechanics can be made
background independent.Comment: 24 pages, forthcoming in Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern
Physic
