1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910522941403321

Autore

Bigaj Tomasz

Titolo

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics / / by Tomasz Bigaj

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cham : , : Springer International Publishing : , : Imprint : Palgrave Macmillan, , 2022

ISBN

9783030748708

9783030748692

Edizione

[1st ed. 2022.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (271 pages)

Collana

New Directions in the Philosophy of Science, , 2947-6836

Disciplina

530.12

Soggetti

Physics - Philosophy

Quantum theory

Philosophy of Physics

Quantum Physics

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Indiscernibility of quantum particles: a road to orthodoxy -- Chapter 3. The source of the Symmetrization Postulate -- Chapter 4. Logic and metaphysics of discernibility -- Chapter 5. Qualitative individuation of same-type particles: beyond orthodoxy -- Chapter 6. The heterodox approach to absolute discernibility and entanglement -- Chapter 7. Two views on quantum individuation -- Chapter 8. The metaphysics of quantum objects.

Sommario/riassunto

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).