Identity in physics: Statistics and the (non-)individuality of quantum particles

In Henk W. de Regt (ed.), EPSA Philosophy of Science: Amsterdam 2009. Springer (2011)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

This paper discusses the issue of the identity and individuality (or lack thereof) of quantum mechanical particles. It first reconstructs, on the basis of the extant literature, a general argument in favour of the conclusion that such particles are not individual objects. Then, it critically assesses each one of the argument’s premises. The upshot is that, in fact, there is no compelling reason for believing that quantum particles are not individual objects.

Similar books and articles

Individual particles, properties and quantum statistics.Matteo Morganti - 2009 - In Mauricio Suárez, Mauro Dorato & Miklós Rédei (eds.), EPSA Philosophical Issues in the Sciences · Launch of the European Philosophy of Science Association. Dordrecht, Netherland: Springer. pp. 175--185.
Identical Quantum Particles as Distinguishable Objects.Dennis Dieks & Andrea Lubberdink - 2022 - Journal for General Philosophy of Science / Zeitschrift für Allgemeine Wissenschaftstheorie 53 (3):259-274.
Rethinking Individuality in Quantum Mechanics.Nathan Moore - 2019 - Dissertation, University of Western Ontario
Identical Quantum Particles as Distinguishable Objects.Dennis Dieks & Andrea Lubberdink - 2020 - Journal for General Philosophy of Science / Zeitschrift für Allgemeine Wissenschaftstheorie 53 (3):1-16.
Identical particles in quantum mechanics revisited.Robert C. Hilborn & Candice L. Yuca - 2002 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 53 (3):355-389.
Inherent Properties and Statistics with Individual Particles in Quantum Mechanics.Matteo Morganti - 2009 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 40 (3):223-231.

Analytics

Added to PP
2010-03-25

Downloads
752 (#1,729)

6 months
154 (#122,725)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Matteo Morganti
Università degli Studi Roma Tre

Citations of this work

No citations found.

Add more citations

References found in this work

Identity in physics: a historical, philosophical, and formal analysis.Steven French & Decio Krause - 2006 - New York: Oxford University Press. Edited by Decio Krause.
Are quantum particles objects?Simon Saunders - 2006 - Analysis 66 (1):52-63.
Quantum physics and the identity of indiscernibles.Steven French & Michael Redhead - 1988 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 39 (2):233-246.
Relational Holism and Quantum Mechanics1.Paul Teller - 1986 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 37 (1):71-81.
Discerning Fermions.Simon Saunders & F. A. Muller - 2008 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 59 (3):499 - 548.

View all 17 references / Add more references