PhilSci Archive

A Topos Perspective on the Kochen-Specker Theorem: II. Conceptual Aspects, and Classical Analogues

Butterfield, Jeremy and Isham, Chris (1999) A Topos Perspective on the Kochen-Specker Theorem: II. Conceptual Aspects, and Classical Analogues. UNSPECIFIED.

[img]
Preview
PDF
TKSPartII=9808067.pdf

Download (297kB)

Abstract

In a previous paper, we have proposed assigning as the value of a physical quantity in quantum theory, a certain kind of set (a sieve) of quantities that are functions of the given quantity. The motivation was in part physical---such a valuation illuminates the Kochen-Specker theorem; and in part mathematical---the valuation arises naturally in the topos theory of presheaves. This paper discusses the conceptual aspects of this proposal. We also undertake two other tasks. First, we explain how the proposed valuations could arise much more generally than just in quantum physics; in particular, they arise as naturally in classical physics. Second, we give another motivation for such valuations (that applies equally to classical and quantum physics). This arises from applying to propositions about the values of physical quantities some general axioms governing partial truth for any kind of proposition.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Other
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Butterfield, Jeremy
Isham, Chris
Additional Information: Published in: International Journal of Theoretical Physics, volume 38, 1999, pages 827-859.
Keywords: Kochen-Specker theorem; category theory; topos theory; partial truth
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Jeremy Butterfield
Date Deposited: 29 Aug 2004
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:12
Item ID: 1917
Public Domain: No
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 1999
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1917

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item