Individuality and the Account of Nonlocality: The Case for the Particle Ontology in Quantum Physics

Abstract

For Olimpia Lombardi (ed.), Quantum worlds: identity, indistinguishability and non-locality in quantum physics, Cambridge University Press, forthcomingThe paper explains why an ontology of permanent point particles that are individuated by their relative positions and that move on continuous trajectories as given by a deterministic law of motion constitutes the best solution to the measurement problem in both quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. This case is made by comparing the Bohmian theory to collapse theories such as the GRW matter density and the GRW flash theory. It is argued that the Bohmian theory makes the minimal changes, concerning only the dynamics and neither the ontology nor the account of probabilities, that are necessary to get from classical mechanics to quantum physics. There is no cogent reason to go beyond these minimal changes. 1 1 The measurement problem 2 2 The collapse solution and its ontology 6 3 The particle solution and its dynamics 11 4 Permanent particles in quantum field theory 20

Entre a Deliberação E a Dialética: Desdobramentos Da Bioética Crítica Como Ética Aplicada

“…), dado que essa estratégia não permite termos meios para que se possa extrair a ontologia da ciência. Isso nos leva à Abordagem 2 (CUSHING, 1993;ALLORI, 2013;ESFELD, 2019;MAUDLIN, 2019). Nela, uma teoria já contém uma interpretação, não é neutra.…”

The non-individuals interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

“…Independently of interpretational issues in quantum mechanics, the very notions of theory and interpretation remain subjects of philosophical controversy, but we will not pursue this here (see Krause and Arenhart [19]). Following Esfeld [12], we take the fact that quantum theory needs an interpretation to be part of the very aim of that physical theory. As Esfeld puts it: [.…”

“…In this respect, other chapters in this book advance distinct ontologies as part of their account of the measurement problem. This makes ontology importantly related to scientific development, and not something of just a philosophical concern, making room for a partially naturalistic approach to ontology (Esfeld [12], Sklar [31]).…”