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Contradiction, Quantum Mechanics, and the Square of Opposition

Arenhart, Jonas R. B. and Krause, Décio (2014) Contradiction, Quantum Mechanics, and the Square of Opposition. [Preprint]

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Abstract

We discuss the idea that superpositions in quantum mechanics may involve contradictions or contradictory properties. A state of superposition such as the one comprised in the famous Schrödinger’s cat, for instance, is sometimes said to attribute contradictory properties to the cat: being dead and alive at the same time. If that were the case, we would be facing a revolution in logic and science, since we would have one of our greatest scientific achievements showing that real contradictions exist.We analyze that claim by employing the traditional square of opposition.We suggest that it is difficult to make sense of the idea of contradiction in the case of quantum superpositions. From a metaphysical point of view the suggestion also faces obstacles, and we present some of them.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Arenhart, Jonas R. B.jonas.becker2@gmail.cpm
Krause, Déciodeciokrause@gmail.com
Keywords: superposition; quantum mechanics; contradiction; paraconsistent logic; square of opposition.
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Décio Krause
Date Deposited: 30 Mar 2014 21:54
Last Modified: 30 Mar 2014 21:54
Item ID: 10582
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 28 March 2014
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10582

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