Quantum Logic and the Invariance Argument—A Reply to Bell and Hallett

Philosophy of Science 53 (3):403-411 (1986)
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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show that the argument put forth by Bell and Hallett against Putnam's thesis regarding the invariance of meaning for quantum logical connectives is insufficient to establish their conclusion. By using an example from the causal theory of time, the paper shows how the condition they specify as relevant in cases of meaning variance in fact fails. As a result, the conclusion that negation undergoes a change of meaning in the quantum logical case is left in doubt. The paper proceeds in three stages. First, a summary of Putnam's argument for the invariance of meaning in the case of quantum logical connectives is provided; this is followed by a review of the criticisms advanced against it by Bell and Hallett. Finally, it is shown how the main claim upon which their major criticism rests is unfounded.

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Citations of this work

The philosophy of alternative logics.Andrew Aberdein & Stephen Read - 2011 - In Leila Haaparanta (ed.), The development of modern logic. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 613-723.
Models, Unification, and Simulations: Margaret C. Morrison (1954–2021).Brigitte Falkenburg & Stephan Hartmann - 2021 - Journal for General Philosophy of Science / Zeitschrift für Allgemeine Wissenschaftstheorie 52 (1):25-33.

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References found in this work

The causal theory of space-time.John A. Winnie - 1977 - In John Earman, Clark Glymour & John Stachel (eds.), Foundations of Space-Time Theories. University of Minnesota Press.
Logic, quantum logic and empiricism.John Bell & Michael Hallett - 1982 - Philosophy of Science 49 (3):355-379.

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