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Qualitative individuation in permutation-invariant quantum mechanics

Caulton, Adam (2014) Qualitative individuation in permutation-invariant quantum mechanics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this article I expound an understanding of the quantum mechanics of so-called “indistinguishable” systems in which permutation invariance is taken as a symmetry of a special kind, namely the result of representational redundancy. This understand- ing has heterodox consequences for the understanding of the states of constituent systems in an assembly and for the notion of entanglement. It corrects widespread misconceptions about the inter-theoretic relations between quantum mechanics and both classical particle mechanics and quantum field theory.

The most striking of the heterodox consequences are: (i) that fermionic states ought not always to be considered entangled; (ii) it is possible for two fermions or two bosons to be discerned using purely monadic quantities; and that (iii) fermions (but not bosons) may always be so discerned.

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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
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Caulton, Adamadam.caulton@gmail.com
Keywords: Quantum mechanics, Permutation invariance, Individuation, Discernibility
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Dr Adam Caulton
Date Deposited: 03 Oct 2024 12:01
Last Modified: 03 Oct 2024 12:01
Item ID: 24002
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 28 August 2014
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24002

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