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A quasi-set theory without atoms and its application to a quantum ontology of properties

Krause, Décio and Jorge, Juan Pablo and Lombardi, Olimpia (2025) A quasi-set theory without atoms and its application to a quantum ontology of properties. Synthese. ISSN 1573-0964

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Abstract

One of the main ontological challenges posed by quantum mechanics is the problem of the indistinguishability of so-called “identical” particles, that is, particles that share the same state-independent properties. In the framework of this philosophical problem, a quasi-set theory was formulated to provide a proper metalanguage to deal with quantum indistinguishability; this theory included certain Urelemente called m-atoms, representing essentially indistinguishable objects. In turn, over the last two decades, the Modal Hamiltonian Interpretation proposed an ontology of properties, totally devoid of objects, where quantum systems are bundles of instances of universal properties. Therefore, the original quasi-set theory, with its m-atoms, does not adequately reflect the structure of an ontology devoid of objects. The purpose to the present article is to introduce a new quasi-set theory that does not include atoms at all: elementary items correspond to properties and are also represented by quasi-sets, which can be only numerically different. The final aim is to apply this new quasi-set theory to the MHI ontology.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Krause, Déciodeciokrause@gmail.com
Jorge, Juan Pablojorgejpablo@gmail.com0000-0003-4517-8729
Lombardi, Olimpiaolimpiafilo@gmail.com
Keywords: Indistinguishablity, quasi-set theory, Modal-Hamiltonian Interpretation, quantum ontology.
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Foundations
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Logic
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Ontology
General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Dr. Juan Pablo Jorge
Date Deposited: 24 Oct 2025 15:11
Last Modified: 24 Oct 2025 15:11
Item ID: 27012
Journal or Publication Title: Synthese
Publisher: Springer (Springer Science+Business Media B.V.)
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Foundations
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Logic
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Ontology
General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: October 2025
ISSN: 1573-0964
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/27012

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