Chen, Eddy Keming (2018) The Intrinsic Structure of Quantum Mechanics. [Preprint]
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Abstract
The wave function in quantum mechanics presents an interesting challenge to our understanding of the physical world.
In this paper, I show that the wave function can be understood as four intrinsic relations on physical space. My account has three desirable features that the standard account lacks: (1) it does not refer to any abstract mathematical objects, (2) it is free from the usual arbitrary conventions, and (3) it explains why the wave function has its gauge degrees of freedom, something that are usually put into the theory by hand.
Hence, this account has implications for debates in philosophy of mathematics and philosophy of science. First, by removing references to mathematical objects, it provides a framework for nominalizing quantum mechanics. Second, by excising superfluous structure such as overall phase, it reveals the intrinsic structure postulated by quantum mechanics. Moreover, it also removes a major obstacle to ``wave function realism.''
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An Intrinsic Theory of Quantum Mechanics: Progress in Field's Nominalistic Program, Part I. (deposited 31 May 2017 16:01)
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An Intrinsic Theory of Quantum Mechanics: Progress in Field's Nominalistic Program, Part I. (deposited 14 Dec 2017 01:49)
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The Intrinsic Structure of Quantum Mechanics. (deposited 12 Oct 2018 17:51)
- The Intrinsic Structure of Quantum Mechanics. (deposited 12 Oct 2018 17:52) [Currently Displayed]
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The Intrinsic Structure of Quantum Mechanics. (deposited 12 Oct 2018 17:51)
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An Intrinsic Theory of Quantum Mechanics: Progress in Field's Nominalistic Program, Part I. (deposited 14 Dec 2017 01:49)
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