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Why non-individuality? A discussion on individuality, identity, and cardinality in the quantum context

Arenhart, Jonas R.B. and Krause, Décio (2012) Why non-individuality? A discussion on individuality, identity, and cardinality in the quantum context. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Recently, in the debate about the ontology of quantum mechanics some authors have
defended the view that quantum particles are individuals in a primitive sense, so that
individuality should be preferred over non-individuality (the alternative option).
Primitive individuality involves two main claims: i) every item is identical with itself
and ii) it is distinct from every other item. Non-relativistic quantum mechanics is said to
provide positive evidence for that position, since in every situation comprising multiple
particles there is a well-defined number of them to begin with, and so they must be
distinct from each other. We argue that the link between a well-defined number of items
and the relation of identity that is being claimed is not imposed by quantum mechanics,
but rather by a metaphysical view. Formal evidence is advanced in favor of the thesis
that counting may be performed for items without identity (non-individuals), so that
quantum mechanics may not be viewed as endorsing an ontology of individuals.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Arenhart, Jonas R.B.jonas.becker2@gmail.com
Krause, Déciodeciokrause@gmail.com
Keywords: quantum mechanics; individuality; non-individuals; counting; identity; quasi-set theory.
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Décio Krause
Date Deposited: 15 Mar 2012 11:01
Last Modified: 15 Mar 2012 11:01
Item ID: 9052
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 12 March 2012
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9052

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