Chen, Eddy Keming (2017) ​​Our Fundamental Physical Space: An Essay on the Metaphysics of the Wave Function. The Journal of Philosophy, 114 (7). pp. 333-365. ISSN 0022-362X

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Abstract

The mathematical structure of realist quantum theories has given rise to a debate about how our ordinary 3-dimensional space is related to the 3N-dimensional configuration space on which the wave function is defined. Which of the two spaces is our (more) fundamental physical space? I review the debate between 3N-Fundamentalists and 3D-Fundamentalists and evaluate it based on three criteria. I argue that when we consider which view leads to a deeper understanding of the physical world, especially given the deeper topological explanation from the unordered configurations to the Symmetrization Postulate, we have strong reasons in favor of 3D-Fundamentalism. I conclude that our evidence favors the view that our fundamental physical space in a quantum world is 3-dimensional rather than 3N-dimensional. I outline lines of future research where the evidential balance can be restored or reversed. Finally, I draw lessons from this case study to the debate about theoretical equivalence.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Chen, Eddy Keming eddykemingchen@ucsd.edu 0000-0001-5144-0952
Keywords:	wave function, foundations of quantum mechanics, Bohmian mechanics, GRW, Everett, fundamentality, spacetime, identical particles, Symmetrization Postulate, Manifest Image
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User:	Dr. Eddy Keming Chen
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2021 17:59
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2021 17:59
Item ID:	19735
Journal or Publication Title:	The Journal of Philosophy
Publisher:	The Journal of Philosophy, Inc
Official URL:	https://doi.org/10.5840/jphil2017114724
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.5840/jphil2017114724
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date:	July 2017
Page Range:	pp. 333-365
Volume:	114
Number:	7
ISSN:	0022-362X
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19735

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