Topos Theoretic Quantum Realism

British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 68 (4):1149-1181 (2017)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

ABSTRACT Topos quantum theory is standardly portrayed as a kind of ‘neo-realist’ reformulation of quantum mechanics.1 1 In this article, I study the extent to which TQT can really be characterized as a realist formulation of the theory, and examine the question of whether the kind of realism that is provided by TQT satisfies the philosophical motivations that are usually associated with the search for a realist reformulation of quantum theory. Specifically, I show that the notion of the quantum state is problematic for those who view TQT as a realist reformulation of quantum theory. 1Introduction 2Topos Quantum Theory 2.1Phase space 2.2Hilbert space 2.3Beyond Hilbert space 2.4Defining realism 2.5The spectral presheaf 2.6The logic of topos quantum theory 3Interpreting States in Topos Quantum Theory 4Interpreting Truth Values and Clopen Subobjects in Topos Quantum Theory 4.1Interpreting the truth values 4.2Interpreting Subcl 5Neo-realism 5.1The covariant approach 6Conclusion

Similar books and articles

Realism and Objectivism in Quantum Mechanics.Vassilios Karakostas - 2012 - Journal for General Philosophy of Science / Zeitschrift für Allgemeine Wissenschaftstheorie 43 (1):45-65.
What is a wavefunction.Wayne C. Myrvold - 2015 - Synthese 192 (10):3247-3274.
Quantum logic, realism, and value definiteness.Allen Stairs - 1983 - Philosophy of Science 50 (4):578-602.
Why quantum theory is possibly wrong.Holger Lyre - 2010 - Foundations of Physics 40 (9-10):1429-1438.
Ontic structural realism and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.Michael Esfeld - 2013 - European Journal for Philosophy of Science 3 (1):19-32.
Quantum mechanics and realism.Peter Kosso - 2000 - Foundations of Science 5 (1):47-60.
Individuation in Quantum Mechanics.Gregg Jaeger - 2011 - Foundations of Physics 41 (3):299-304.

Analytics

Added to PP
2015-11-28

Downloads
949 (#13,309)

6 months
182 (#13,080)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Benjamin Eva
Duke University

References found in this work

Truth and Other Enigmas.Michael Dummett - 1978 - Philosophical Quarterly 31 (122):47-67.
Truth and Other Enigmas.Michael Dummett - 1980 - Revue Philosophique de la France Et de l'Etranger 170 (1):62-65.
Truth and Other Enigmas.Michael Dummett - 1978 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 32 (4):419-425.
Particles and Paradoxes: The Limits of Quantum Logic.Peter Gibbins - 1987 - New York: Cambridge University Press.

View all 8 references / Add more references