Arroyo, Raoni Wohnrath and Arenhart, Jonas R. B. (2024) Quantum ontology de-naturalized: What we can't learn from quantum mechanics. THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science. ISSN 2171-679X
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Abstract
Philosophers of science commonly connect ontology and science, stating that these disciplines maintain a two-way relationship: on the one hand, we can extract ontology from scientific theories; on the other hand, ontology provides the realistic content of our scientific theories. In this article, we will critically examine the process of naturalizing ontology, i.e., confining the work of ontologists merely to the task of pointing out which entities certain theories commit themselves to. We will use non-relativistic quantum mechanics as a case study. We begin by distinguishing two roles for ontology: the first would be characterized by cataloging existing entities according to quantum mechanics; the second would be characterized by establishing more general ontological categories in which existing entities must be classified. We argue that only the first step is available for a naturalistic approach; the second step not being open for determination or anchoring in science. Finally, we also argue that metaphysics is still a step beyond ontology, not contained in either of the two tasks of ontology, being thus even farther from science.
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| Item Type: | Published Article or Volume | |||||||||
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| Keywords: | ontology, ontological naturalism, quantum mechanics, metaon-tology. | |||||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
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| Depositing User: | Dr. Raoni Arroyo | |||||||||
| Date Deposited: | 21 Nov 2024 12:55 | |||||||||
| Last Modified: | 21 Nov 2024 12:55 | |||||||||
| Item ID: | 24244 | |||||||||
| Journal or Publication Title: | THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science | |||||||||
| Publisher: | Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / Universidad del Pa�s Vasco | |||||||||
| Official URL: | https://ojs.ehu.eus/index.php/THEORIA/article/view... | |||||||||
| DOI or Unique Handle: | 10.1387/theoria.24955 | |||||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
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| Date: | 20 November 2024 | |||||||||
| ISSN: | 2171-679X | |||||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24244 |
Available Versions of this Item
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Quantum ontology de-naturalized: What we can't learn from quantum mechanics. (deposited 26 Jun 2024 19:05)
- Quantum ontology de-naturalized: What we can't learn from quantum mechanics. (deposited 21 Nov 2024 12:55) [Currently Displayed]
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