Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Tomasz Bigaj
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783030748715
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book analyzes metaphysical consequences of the quantum theory of many particles with respect to the fundamental notions of identity, individuality and discernibility. The main focus is on the proper interpretation of the quantum formalism in relation to the role of permutation invariance and the adequate representation of the properties of individual subsystems. Two main approaches to the issue of the individuation of quantum particles are distinguished and thoroughly discussed. These approaches differ radically with respect to their metaphysical consequences - while one of them implies the complete indiscernibility of quantum particles of the same kind, the other one restores the possibility of discerning individual particles by their properties. We connect the problem of quantum individuation and discernibility with an analysis of the concept of quantum entanglement, and we also discuss identity over time and in counterfactual scenarios. Tomasz Bigaj is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warsaw, Poland. His previous publications include the book Non-locality and Possible Worlds (2006) and numerous articles on various topics in philosophy of physics, philosophical logic and analytic metaphysics (Synthese, Erkenntnis, Foundations of Physics, Foundations of Science).

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Tomasz Bigaj
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783030748715
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book

Book Description
This book analyzes metaphysical consequences of the quantum theory of many particles with respect to the fundamental notions of identity, individuality and discernibility. The main focus is on the proper interpretation of the quantum formalism in relation to the role of permutation invariance and the adequate representation of the properties of individual subsystems. Two main approaches to the issue of the individuation of quantum particles are distinguished and thoroughly discussed. These approaches differ radically with respect to their metaphysical consequences - while one of them implies the complete indiscernibility of quantum particles of the same kind, the other one restores the possibility of discerning individual particles by their properties. We connect the problem of quantum individuation and discernibility with an analysis of the concept of quantum entanglement, and we also discuss identity over time and in counterfactual scenarios. Tomasz Bigaj is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warsaw, Poland. His previous publications include the book Non-locality and Possible Worlds (2006) and numerous articles on various topics in philosophy of physics, philosophical logic and analytic metaphysics (Synthese, Erkenntnis, Foundations of Physics, Foundations of Science).

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Tomasz Bigaj
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030748707
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 271

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Book Description
This book analyzes metaphysical consequences of the quantum theory of many particles with respect to the fundamental notions of identity, individuality and discernibility. The main focus is on the proper interpretation of the quantum formalism in relation to the role of permutation invariance and the adequate representation of the properties of individual subsystems. Two main approaches to the issue of the individuation of quantum particles are distinguished and thoroughly discussed. These approaches differ radically with respect to their metaphysical consequences – while one of them implies the complete indiscernibility of quantum particles of the same kind, the other one restores the possibility of discerning individual particles by their properties. We connect the problem of quantum individuation and discernibility with an analysis of the concept of quantum entanglement, and we also discuss identity over time and in counterfactual scenarios.

Probing the Meaning of Quantum Mechanics

Probing the Meaning of Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Diederik Aerts
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 981314629X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 372

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Book Description
This book provides an interdisciplinary approach to one of the most fascinating and important open questions in science: What is quantum mechanics really talking about? In the last decades quantum mechanics has given rise to a new quantum technological era, a revolution taking place today especially within the field of quantum information processing; which goes from quantum teleportation and cryptography to quantum computation. Quantum theory is probably our best confirmed physical theory. However, in spite of its great empirical effectiveness it stands today still without a universally accepted physical representation that allows us to understand its relation to the world and reality. The novelty of the book comes from the multiple perspectives put forward by top researchers in quantum mechanics, from Europe as well as North and South America, discussing the meaning and structure of the theory of quanta. The book comprises in a balanced manner physical, philosophical, logical and mathematical approaches to quantum mechanics and quantum information. Going from quantum superpositions and entanglement to dynamics and the problem of identity; from quantum logic, computation and quasi-set theory to the category approach and teleportation; from realism and empiricism to operationalism and instrumentalism; the book considers from different angles some of the most intriguing questions in the field. From Buenos Aires to Brussels and Cagliari, from Florence to Florianópolis, the interaction between different groups is reflected in the many different articles. This book is interesting not only to the specialists but also to the general public attempting to get a grasp on some of the most fundamental questions of present quantum physics. Contents:On the Notion of Truth in Quantum Mechanics: A Category-Theoretic Standpoint (V Karakostas and E Zafiris)A Logical Account of Quantum Superpositions (D Krause and J R B Arenhart)Mixing Categories and Modal Logics in the Quantum Setting (G Cinà)Binary Gates in Three Valued Quantum Computational Logics (G Sergioli, A Ledda and R Giuntini)The GTR Model: A Universal Framework for Quantum-Like Measurements (D Aerts and M S de Bianchi)'Probabilistic Knowledge' as 'Objective Knowledge' in Quantum Mechanics: Potential Immanent Powers Instead of Actual Properties (C de Ronde)On When a Semantics is not a Good Semantics: The Algebraisation of Orthomodular Logic (T Kowalski, F Paoli and and R Giuntin)Von Neumann, Empiricism and the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (O Bueno)The Born Rule and Free Will: Why Libertarian Agent-Causal Free Will is Not "Antiscientific" (R E Kastner)Fuzzy Approach for CNOT Gate in Quantum Computation with Mixed States (G Sergioli and H Freytes)A Modal Logic of Indiscernibility (D Krause, J R B Arenhart and P Merlussi)The Possibility of a New Metaphysics for Quantum Mechanics from Meinong's Theory of Objects (M Graffigna)Entanglement of Formation for Werner States and Isotropic States via Logical Gates (C Bertini, M L D Chiara and R Leporini)Time, Chance and Quantum Theory (A Sudbery)A Topos Theoretic Framework for Paraconsistent Quantum Theory (B Eva)A Possible Solution to the Second Entanglement Paradox (D Aerts and M S de Bianchi) Readership: University students and researchers interested in the foundation of quantum mechanics.

Non-Reflexive Logics, Non-Individuals, and the Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics

Non-Reflexive Logics, Non-Individuals, and the Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Jonas R. B. Arenhart
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031318404
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 333

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Book Description
This book discusses the philosophical work of Décio Krause. Non-individuality, as a new metaphysical category, was thought to be strongly supported by quantum mechanics. No one did more to promote this idea than the Brazilian philosopher Décio Krause, whose works on the metaphysics and logic of non-individuality are now widely regarded as part of the consolidated literature on the subject. This volume brings together chapters elaborating on the ideas put forward and defended by Krause, developing them in many different directions, commenting on aspects not completely developed so far, and, more importantly, critically addressing their current formulations and defenses by Krause himself. Given that Krause’s ideas do connect directly and indirectly with a wide array of subjects, such as the philosophy of quantum mechanics, more broadly understood, the philosophy of logic and logical philosophy, non-classical logics, metaphysics, and ontology, this volume contains important material for the research on logic and foundations of science, broadly understood. All the invited contributors have already worked with the ideas developed by Décio (some of them still work with them), being also distinct authors and extremely relevant in their areas of expertise. The volume is aimed at philosophers, including those of physics and quantum mechanics.

Physics, Philosophy, and the Scientific Community

Physics, Philosophy, and the Scientific Community PDF Author: K. Gavroglu
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401726582
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 405

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Book Description
In three volumes, a distinguished group of scholars from a variety of disciplines in the natural and social sciences, the humanities and the arts contribute essays in honor of Robert S. Cohen, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The range of the essays, as well as their originality, and their critical and historical depth, pay tribute to the extraordinary scope of Professor Cohen's intellectual interests, as a scientist-philosopher and a humanist, and also to his engagement in the world of social and political practice. The essays presented in Physics, Philosophy, and the Scientific Community (Volume I of Essays in Honor of Robert S. Cohen) focus on philosophical and historical issues in contemporary physics: on the origins and conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics, on the reception and understanding of Bohr's and Einstein's work, on the emergence of quantum electrodynamics, and on some of the sharp philosophical and scientific issues that arise in current scientific practice (e.g. in superconductivity research). In addition, several essays deal with critical issues within the philosophy of science, both historical and contemporary: e.g. with Cartesian notions of mechanism in the philosophy of biology; with the language and logic of science - e.g. with new insights concerning the issue of a `physicalistic' language in the arguments of Neurath, Carnap and Wittgenstein; with the notion of `elementary logic'; and with rational and non-rational elements in the history of science. Two original contributions to the history of mathematics and some studies in the comparative sociology of science round off this outstanding collection.

Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Bas C. Van Fraassen
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 019824861X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 558

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Book Description
The author argues that quantum theory admits a plurality of interpretations, each aiding further understanding of the theory, but also advocating specifically the Copenhagen Variant of the Modal Interpretation. That variant is applied to topics like the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and the problem of 'identical' particles.

Current Debates in Philosophy of Science

Current Debates in Philosophy of Science PDF Author: Cristián Soto
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031323750
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 459

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Book Description
This volume collects previously unpublished contributions to the philosophy of science. What brings them together is a twofold goal: first and foremost, celebrating the name of Roberto Torretti, whose works in this and other areas have had –and continue to have– a significant impact on the international philosophy of science community; and second, the desire of advancing novel perspectives on various issues in the philosophy of science broadly construed. Roberto Torretti has made substantial contributions to current debates in the history and philosophy of science, the general philosophy of science, and the philosophy of physics and geometry. Among his landmark contributions, we find his investigations in the history and philosophy of geometry, as well as his systematic studies of Einstein's relativity theory. This volume convenes leading philosophers and early-career scholars compiling a fine collection of chapters addressing recent debates on Kantian philosophy of science, the general philosophy of science, and the history and philosophy of physics and mathematics.

Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of Science PDF Author: William Marias Malisoff
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 164

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Book Description


Probing the Meaning of Quantum Mechanics

Probing the Meaning of Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Diederik Aerts
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing
ISBN: 9813276908
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 392

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Book Description
This book provides an interdisciplinary perspective on one of the most fascinating and important open questions in science: What is quantum mechanics talking about? Quantum theory is perhaps our best confirmed physical theory. However, despite its great empirical effectiveness and the subsequent technological developments that it gave rise to in the 20th century, from the interpretation of the periodic table of elements to CD players, holograms and quantum state teleportation, it stands even today without a universally accepted interpretation. The novelty of the book comes from the multiple viewpoints and subjects investigated by a group of researchers from Europe and North and South America.

Philosophers Look at Quantum Mechanics

Philosophers Look at Quantum Mechanics PDF Author: Alberto Cordero
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030156591
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 316

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Book Description
This edited volume explores the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics. It features papers from venues of the International Ontology Congress (IOC) up to 2016. IOC is a worldwide platform for dialogue and reflection on the interactions between science and philosophy. The collection features philosophers as well as physicists, including David Albert, Harvey Brown, Jeffrey Bub, Otávio Bueno, James Cushing, Steven French, Victor Gomez-Pin, Carl Hoefer, Simon Kochen, Peter Lewis, Tim Maudlin, Peter Mittlestatedt, Roland Omnès, Juha Saatsi, Albert Solé, David Wallace, and Anton Zeilinger. Since the early days of quantum mechanics, philosophers have studied the subject with growing technical skill and fruitfulness. Their efforts have unveiled intellectual bridges between physics and philosophy. These connections have helped fuel the contemporary debate about the scope and limits of realism and understanding in the interpretation of physical theories and scientific theories in general. The philosophical analysis of quantum mechanics is now one of the most sophisticated and productive areas in contemporary philosophy, as the papers in this collection illustrate.