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Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum MechanicsIndiscernibility of Quantum Particles: A Road to Orthodoxy

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum Mechanics: Indiscernibility of Quantum Particles: A Road... [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 composite systems, that is, physical systems consisting of many smaller components, with its primary tool of the tensor product of vector spaces. The chapter also articulates the Indistinguishability Postulate and Symmetrization Postulate, which impose an important restriction on joint states and properties of so-called indistinguishable particles. From these assumptions a metaphysical consequence in the form of the Indiscernibility Thesis is usually derived. We analyze typical arguments in favor of this claim, noting the indispensable role of the tacit assumption referred to as Factorism in these derivations. Finally, we briefly discuss the metaphysical role of discernibility by properties in clarifying the notion of individuality, as well as its relation to numerical diversity.] http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png

Identity and Indiscernibility in Quantum MechanicsIndiscernibility of Quantum Particles: A Road to Orthodoxy

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References (16)

Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Copyright
© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022
ISBN
978-3-030-74869-2
Pages
9 –46
DOI
10.1007/978-3-030-74870-8_2
Publisher site
See Chapter on Publisher Site

Abstract

[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 composite systems, that is, physical systems consisting of many smaller components, with its primary tool of the tensor product of vector spaces. The chapter also articulates the Indistinguishability Postulate and Symmetrization Postulate, which impose an important restriction on joint states and properties of so-called indistinguishable particles. From these assumptions a metaphysical consequence in the form of the Indiscernibility Thesis is usually derived. We analyze typical arguments in favor of this claim, noting the indispensable role of the tacit assumption referred to as Factorism in these derivations. Finally, we briefly discuss the metaphysical role of discernibility by properties in clarifying the notion of individuality, as well as its relation to numerical diversity.]

Published: Jan 3, 2022

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