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Do Quantum Objects Have Temporal Parts?

Pashby, Thomas (2013) Do Quantum Objects Have Temporal Parts? [Preprint]

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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, a popular view about persistence which maintains that objects persist by having temporal parts, can be formulated in quantum mechanics due to the existence of a formal analogy between temporal and spatial location. However, this analogy fails due to a `no-go' result which demonstrates that quantum systems can't be said to have temporal parts in the same way that they have spatial parts. Therefore, if quantum mechanics describes persisting physical objects then those objects cannot be said to perdure.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Pashby, Thomasthp11@pitt.edu
Keywords: temporal parts, perdurantism, quantum objects, time, persistence
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Dr. Thomas Pashby
Date Deposited: 04 Jun 2013 15:00
Last Modified: 04 Jun 2013 15:00
Item ID: 9812
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 2013
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9812

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