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Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics

Part of the New Directions in the Philosophy of Science Book Series

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74870-8

ISBN: 978-3-030-74869-2

Publisher: Springer International Publishing - Springer Journals

Jan 3, 2022

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Chapter 1Introduction

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 1 –7

[This is an introduction to the book, containing a short outline of its topics and the methodological approach adopted.]
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Chapter 2Indiscernibility of Quantum Particles: A Road to Orthodoxy

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 9 –46

[This chapter serves primarily as a brief overview of the basics of the quantum formalism necessary to understand the philosophical debates on the problem of the identity and individuality of quantum objects. We touch upon the standard mathematical representation of states and properties of...
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Chapter 3The Source of the Symmetrization Postulate

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 47 –70

[Chapter 3 focuses on the problem of finding a justification of the Symmetrization Postulate over and above the typical arguments based on the Indistinguishability Postulate. One particular argument, known as the exchange degeneracy argument, is carefully evaluated. It is claimed that this...
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Chapter 4Logic and Metaphysics of Discernibility

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 71 –102

[This chapter contains a formal analysis of three most popular variants of discernibility—absolute, relative and weak—together with some basic facts regarding their mutual logical connections. The analysis is done in the framework of standard, first-order logic. We point out that the answer to...
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Chapter 5Qualitative Individuation of Same-Type Particles: Beyond Orthodoxy

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 103 –135

[This chapter develops an alternative (“heterodox”) approach to quantum individuation, which is based on certain types of symmetric projection operators acting in tensor-product Hilbert spaces. The starting point is an analysis of the correct meaning of symmetric combinations of single-particle...
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Chapter 6The Heterodox Approach to Absolute Discernibility and Entanglement

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 137 –175

[We start this chapter with a logical theorem showing the possibility of expressing facts of absolute discernibility in symmetric sentences (sentences built with the help of permutation-invariant formulas). In the subsequent sections, we address the issue of the scope of absolute discernibility...
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Chapter 7Two Views on Quantum Individuation: A Comparison

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 177 –211

[The first part of this chapter contains a conceptual and philosophical criticism of the orthodox approach to quantum individuation, with its commitment to Factorism and the Indiscernibility Thesis. It is pointed out that the complete indiscernibility of same-type quantum particles is at odds...
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Chapter 8The Metaphysics of Quantum Objects: Transtemporal and Transworld Identities

Bigaj, Tomasz

Pages: 213 –247

[The final chapter takes into account two further aspects of the identity and identification of quantum particles: diachronic (across temporal instances) and counterfactual (across possible worlds). The problem of diachronic identifications is analyzed with the help of scattering processes...

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