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Is Indistinguishability in Quantum Mechanics Conventional?

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Abstract

Darrin Belousek has argued that the indistinguishability of quantum particles is conventional “in the Duhemian–Einsteinian sense,” in part by critially examining prior arguments given by Redhead and Teller. Belousek's discussion provides a useful occasion to clarify some of those arguments, acknowledge respects in which they were misleading, and comment on how they can be strengthened. We also comment briefly on the relevant sense of “conventional.”

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Teller, P., Redhead, M. Is Indistinguishability in Quantum Mechanics Conventional?. Foundations of Physics 30, 951–957 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003658709873

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003658709873

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