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Quantum metaphysical indeterminacy and the ontological foundations of orthodoxy

David Schroeren

2021Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A25 citationsDOIOpen Access PDF

Abstract

This paper develops quantum state individualism, a fundamental ontology for what is usually known as 'orthodox quantum mechanics.' The central import of this ontology is that allows for a systematic evaluation of some of the main conclusions of the recent literature on quantum metaphysical indeterminacy. In particular, quantum state individualism supports the 'gappy' version of Jessica Wilson's determinable-based account of metaphysical indeterminacy; it implies that fundamental reality is perfectly precise; and third, it provides a non-disjunctive definition of determinables and thereby shields Wilson's account against the charge that it requires either a departure from classical logic or a revision of the quantum formalism.

Topics & Concepts

MetaphysicsIndeterminacy (philosophy)EpistemologyQuantumPhilosophyOrthodoxyOntologyFormalism (music)Theoretical physicsQuantum mechanicsPhysicsTheologyVisual artsMusicalArtQuantum Mechanics and ApplicationsPhilosophy and Theoretical SciencePhilosophy and History of Science
Quantum metaphysical indeterminacy and the ontological foundations of orthodoxy | Litcius