Potentiality and Contradiction in Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

Following J.-Y.Béziau in his pioneer work on non-standard interpretations of the traditional square of opposition, we have applied the abstract structure of the square to study the relation of opposition between states in superposition in orthodox quantum mechanics in [1]. Our conclusion was that such states are contraries, contradicting previous analyzes that have led to different results, such as those claiming that those states represent contradictory properties. In this chapter we bring the issue once again into the center of the stage, but now discussing the metaphysical presuppositions which underlie each kind of analysis and which lead to each kind of result, discussing in particular the idea that superpositions represent potential contradictions. We shall argue that the analysis according to which states in superposition are contrary rather than contradictory is still more plausible.

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 91,202

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

  • Only published works are available at libraries.

Similar books and articles

Superposition in quantum and classical mechanics.M. K. Bennett & D. J. Foulis - 1990 - Foundations of Physics 20 (6):733-744.
Individuation in Quantum Mechanics.Gregg Jaeger - 2011 - Foundations of Physics 41 (3):299-304.
The properties of modal interpretations of quantum mechanics.Rob Clifton - 1996 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 47 (3):371-398.
A Reconstruction of Quantum Mechanics.Simon Kochen - 2015 - Foundations of Physics 45 (5):557-590.

Analytics

Added to PP
2015-09-07

Downloads
55 (#277,782)

6 months
4 (#678,769)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author Profiles

Jonas R. B. Arenhart
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Décio Krause
Federal University of Santa Catarina

References found in this work

In contradiction: a study of the transconsistent.Graham Priest - 1987 - New York: Oxford University Press.
A New Introduction to Modal Logic.M. J. Cresswell & G. E. Hughes - 1996 - New York: Routledge. Edited by M. J. Cresswell.
A survey of metaphysics.E. Jonathan Lowe - 2002 - Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Discerning Fermions.Simon Saunders & F. A. Muller - 2008 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 59 (3):499 - 548.

View all 13 references / Add more references