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Potentiality and Contradiction in Quantum Mechanics

Arenhart, Jonas R. B. and Krause, Decio (2014) Potentiality and Contradiction in Quantum Mechanics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Following J.-Y.Béziau in his pioneer work on non-standard interpretations
of the traditional square of opposition, we have applied the abstract
structure of the square to study the relation of opposition between states
in superposition in orthodox quantum mechanics in [1]. Our conclusion
was that such states are contraries (i.e. both can be false, but both cannot
be true), contradicting previous analyzes that have led to different results,
such as those claiming that those states represent contradictory properties (i.
e. they must have opposite truth values). In this chapter we bring the issue
once again into the center of the stage, but now discussing the metaphysical
presuppositions which underlie each kind of analysis and which lead
to each kind of result, discussing in particular the idea that superpositions
represent potential contradictions. We shall argue that the analysis according
to which states in superposition are contrary rather than contradictory
is still more plausible.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Arenhart, Jonas R. B.
Krause, Decio
Keywords: Contradiction; superposition; potentiality; contrariety; opposition.
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Décio Krause
Date Deposited: 07 Jun 2014 22:00
Last Modified: 07 Jun 2014 22:00
Item ID: 10726
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 6 June 2014
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10726

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