Schroeren, David (2022) The Global Phase Is Real. [Preprint]
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Abstract
Normalized vectors in the Hilbert space of the world can differ merely by a complex scalar multiple of unit modulus, also known as the global phase. According to orthodoxy, the global phase is a paradigm case of a redundancy in our mathematical description of the world, mere representational fluff of no physical significance. In this paper, I argue that this view is inconsistent with the fact that a physically substantive proposition turns on how rotations are represented within the linear formalism of quantum theory. I also explore strategies for resisting this conclusion and highlight an intimate connection between the reality of the global phase and the metaphysics of spacetime.
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Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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Additional Information: | forthcoming in Philosophy of Science | ||||||
Keywords: | Quantum mechanics Gauge Phase factor Hilbert Space Ontology Symmetry Superselection Substantivalism | ||||||
Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances |
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Depositing User: | Dr. David Schroeren | ||||||
Date Deposited: | 01 Apr 2022 04:12 | ||||||
Last Modified: | 01 Apr 2022 04:12 | ||||||
Item ID: | 20419 | ||||||
Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances |
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Date: | March 2022 | ||||||
URI: | http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20419 |
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