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Title
Identity and indiscernibility in quantum mechanics / Tomasz Bigaj.
ISBN
9783030748708 (electronic bk.)
3030748707 (electronic bk.)
9783030748692 (hardcover)
3030748693 (hardcover)
Published
Cham : Palgrave Macmillan, [2022]
Copyright
©2022
Language
English
Description
1 online resource.
Item Number
10.1007/978-3-030-74870-8 doi
Call Number
QC174.13 .B54 2022
Dewey Decimal Classification
530.12
Summary
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).
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
Source of Description
Online resource; title from PDF title page (SpringerLink, viewed January 18, 2022).
Series
New directions in the philosophy of science.
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.
