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The Bundle Theory Approach to Relational Quantum Mechanics

Oldofredi, Andrea (2020) The Bundle Theory Approach to Relational Quantum Mechanics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The present essay provides a new metaphysical interpretation of Relational Quantum Mechanics (RQM) in terms of mereological bundle theory. The essential idea is to claim that a physical system in RQM can be defined as a mereological fusion of properties whose values may vary for different observers. Abandoning the Aristotelian tradition centered on the notion of substance, I claim that RQM embraces an ontology of properties that finds its roots in the heritage of David Hume. To this regard, defining what kind of concrete physical objects populate the world according to RQM, I argue that this theoretical framework can be made compatible with (i) a property-oriented ontology, in which the notion of object can be easily defined, and (ii) moderate structural realism, a philosophical position where relations and relata are both fundamental. Finally, I conclude that under this reading relational quantum mechanics should be included among the full-fledged realist interpretations of quantum theory.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Oldofredi, AndreaAndrea.Oldofredi@unil.ch
Additional Information: Accepted for publication in Foundations of Physics
Keywords: Relational Quantum Mechanics; Bundle Theory; Mereology; Moderate Structural Realism; Properties
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Dr. Andrea Oldofredi
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2020 23:57
Last Modified: 03 Dec 2020 23:57
Item ID: 18419
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 19 November 2020
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18419

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