Logical aspects of quantum (non-)individuality

Foundations of Science 15 (1):79-94 (2010)
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Abstract

In this paper I consider some logical and mathematical aspects of the discussion of the identity and individuality of quantum entities. I shall point out that for some aspects of the discussion, the logical basis cannot be put aside; on the contrary, it leads us to unavoidable conclusions which may have consequences in how we articulate certain concepts related to quantum theory. Behind the discussion, there is a general argument which suggests the possibility of a metaphysics of non-individuals, based on a reasonable interpretation of quantum basic entities. I close the paper with a suggestion that consists in emphasizing that quanta should be referred to by the cardinalities of the collections to which they belong, for which an adequate mathematical framework seems to be possible.

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Décio Krause
Federal University of Santa Catarina

References found in this work

Ontological relativity and other essays.Willard Van Orman Quine (ed.) - 1969 - New York: Columbia University Press.
Parts: a study in ontology.Peter M. Simons - 1987 - New York: Oxford University Press.
Philosophy of logic.Willard Van Orman Quine - 1970 - Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. Edited by Simon Blackburn & Keith Simmons.
Ontological relativity.W. V. O. Quine - 1968 - Journal of Philosophy 65 (7):185-212.
Parts: A Study in Ontology.Peter Simons - 1987 - Oxford, England: Clarendon Press.

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