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Do Quantum Objects Have Temporal Parts?

Pashby, Thomas (2012) Do Quantum Objects Have Temporal Parts? In: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Contributed Papers.

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    Abstract

    This paper provides a new context for an established metaphysical debate regarding the problem of persistence. I contend that perdurance (the claim that objects persist by having temporal parts) can be precisely formulated in quantum mechanics due to an analogy with spatial parts, which I claim correspond to the decomposition of the quantum state provided by a localization scheme. However, I present a `no-go' result that rules out the existence of an analogous temporal localization scheme, and so argue that quantum objects cannot be said to perdure. I conclude by surveying the remaining metaphysical options.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: quantum, time, evolution, persistence, perdurance, mereology
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
    Conferences and Volumes: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Contributed Papers
    Depositing User: Mr Tom Pashby
    Date Deposited: 06 Nov 2012 19:11
    Last Modified: 04 Jun 2013 11:00
    Item ID: 9410
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9410

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