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Identity in Physics: Statistics and the (Non-)Individuality of Quantum Particles

Morganti, Matteo (2010) Identity in Physics: Statistics and the (Non-)Individuality of Quantum Particles. In: [2009] EPSA09: 2nd Conference of the European Philosophy of Science Association (Amsterdam, 21-24 October, 2009) > EPSA 2009 Symposia.

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    Abstract

    This paper discusses the issue of the identity and individuality (or lack thereof) of quantum mechanical particles. It first reconstructs, on the basis of the extant literature, a general argument in favour of the conclusion that such particles are not individual objects. Then, it critically assesses each one of the argument’s premises. The upshot is that, in fact, there is no compelling reason for believing that quantum particles are not individual objects.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: Identity and Individuality in Quantum Mechanics; Quantum Statistics; Identity of the Indiscernibles; Primitive Identity; Intrinsic/Contextual
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
    Conferences and Volumes: [2009] EPSA09: 2nd Conference of the European Philosophy of Science Association (Amsterdam, 21-24 October, 2009) > EPSA 2009 Symposia
    Depositing User: Matteo Morganti
    Date Deposited: 24 Mar 2010
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:19
    Item ID: 5205
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/5205

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