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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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Chen, Eddy Keming eddy.chen@rutgers.edu
Keywords:	quantum mechanics, wave function, phase structure, mathematical nominalism, intrinsic physical theory, indispensability argument, mathematical platonism, metaphysics of science.
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Applicability Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Ontology General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Structure of Theories Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User:	Dr. Eddy Keming Chen
Date Deposited:	12 Oct 2018 17:52
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2018 17:52
Item ID:	15140
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Applicability Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Ontology General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Structure of Theories Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date:	10 October 2018
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15140

Available Versions of this Item

• An Intrinsic Theory of Quantum Mechanics: Progress in Field's Nominalistic Program, Part I. (deposited 31 May 2017 16:01)
  • An Intrinsic Theory of Quantum Mechanics: Progress in Field's Nominalistic Program, Part I. (deposited 14 Dec 2017 01:49)
    • 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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