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Palgrave Macmillan

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics

  • Book
  • © 2022

Overview

Authors:
  1. Tomasz Bigaj

    1. Institute of Philosophy, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

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  • Compares two alternative methods of individuation applicable in the context of the quantum theory of many particles
  • Argues that the Principle of the Identity of Indiscernibles need not be abandoned
  • Provides separate analyses for three types of identity questions in the quantum-mechanical realm

Part of the book series: New Directions in the Philosophy of Science (NDPS)

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
    Download chapter PDF

  2. Introduction

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 1-7

  3. Indiscernibility of Quantum Particles: A Road to Orthodoxy

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 9-46

  4. The Source of the Symmetrization Postulate

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 47-70

  5. Logic and Metaphysics of Discernibility

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 71-102

  6. Qualitative Individuation of Same-Type Particles: Beyond Orthodoxy

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 103-135

  7. The Heterodox Approach to Absolute Discernibility and Entanglement

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 137-175

  8. Two Views on Quantum Individuation: A Comparison

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 177-211

  9. The Metaphysics of Quantum Objects: Transtemporal and Transworld Identities

    • Tomasz Bigaj
    Pages 213-247

  10. Back Matter

    Pages 249-262
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Keywords

About this book

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.

Reviews

“This book makes an important contribution to the philosophy of physics, as it is not only an exceptionally clear overview of the work done in the last 50 years on individuality in quantum physics, but also a preliminary work that lays the foundations for a promising new metaphysics of fundamental objects.” (Système d'information en philosophie des sciences, SIPS, February 15, 2023)

“Both for physicists interested in the basics of quantum mechanics and philosophers of science, reading the book can be quite a challenge. However, the efforts of going through it will be highly rewarded. The book is the best and most comprehensive work on the physics and philosophy of quantum particle systems of the same type in world literature.” (Marek Kuś, ZFN Philosophical Problems in Science, November 8, 2022)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Institute of Philosophy, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

    Tomasz Bigaj

About the author

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).

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