Floating free from physics: the metaphysics of quantum mechanics

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2012.05822v1
• Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2020 16:53:21 GMT
• Title: Floating free from physics: the metaphysics of quantum mechanics
• Authors: Raoni W. Arroyo and Jonas R. B. Arenhart
• Abstract summary: We argue that, in this perspective, metaphysics must be understood as an autonomous discipline. One of the main motivations of such project is the obtaining of a scientifically respectable justification for the attribution of a single true metaphysical profile to the posits of a scientific theory.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: We discuss some methodological aspects of the relation between physics and metaphysics by dealing specifically with the case of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Our main claim is that current attempts to productively integrate quantum mechanics and metaphysics are best seen as approaches of what should be called `the metaphysics of science', which is developed by applying already existing metaphysical concepts to scientific theories. We argue that, in this perspective, metaphysics must be understood as an autonomous discipline. It results that this metaphysics cannot hope to derive any kind of justification from science. Thus, one of the main motivations of such project, which is the obtaining of a scientifically respectable justification for the attribution of a single true metaphysical profile to the posits of a scientific theory, is doomed because of the emergence of metaphysical underdetermination from the outset. If metaphysics floats free from physics, which is a premise of such project of integration between these two areas, then it is always possible to attribute more than one metaphysical profile to dress physical entities.

Related papers

• The game of metaphysics [0.0]
  We argue that a fictionalist approach to metaphysics is compatible with both the idea that the discipline inquires into the fundamental features of reality and naturalistic methodology. We will claim that a fictionalist approach to metaphysics is compatible with both the idea that the discipline inquires into the fundamental features of reality and naturalistic methodology.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-10-25T15:21:25Z)
• Quantum ontology de-naturalized: What we can't learn from quantum mechanics [0.0]
  Philosophers of science commonly connect ontology and science, stating that these disciplines maintain a two-way relationship. We will critically examine the process of naturalizing ontology, i.e., confining the work of ontologists merely to the task of pointing out which entities certain theories commit themselves to.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-02-08T13:26:13Z)
• The roads to non-individuals (and how not to read their maps) [0.0]
  We argue that neither non-individuality nor individuality is not to be found imposed on us in any of these levels so that it should be seen as a metaphysical addition to the theory.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-07-22T11:57:09Z)
• Unraveling the Mystery of Quantum Measurement with A New Space-Time Approach to Relativistic Quantum Mechanics [9.116661570248171]
  Quantum measurement is a fundamental concept in the field of quantum mechanics. Despite its significance, four fundamental issues continue to pose significant challenges to the broader application of quantum measurement. We employ a new space-time approach to relativistic quantum mechanics to address these issues systematically.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-06-01T13:25:08Z)
• Intrinsic Physical Concepts Discovery with Object-Centric Predictive Models [86.25460882547581]
  We introduce the PHYsical Concepts Inference NEtwork (PHYCINE), a system that infers physical concepts in different abstract levels without supervision. We show that object representations containing the discovered physical concepts variables could help achieve better performance in causal reasoning tasks.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-03-03T11:52:21Z)
• The (meta)metaphysics of science: the case of non-relativistic quantum mechanics [0.0]
  Traditionally, to be a realist about something means believing in the independent existence of that something. We discuss how two fashionable approaches face the challenge of providing a metaphysics for science. We present the meta-Popperian method, a metametaphysical method capable of objectively assessing which metaphysical profiles are incompatible with certain theories.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-04-01T18:55:44Z)
• Quantum realism: axiomatization and quantification [77.34726150561087]
  We build an axiomatization for quantum realism -- a notion of realism compatible with quantum theory. We explicitly construct some classes of entropic quantifiers that are shown to satisfy almost all of the proposed axioms.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-10-10T18:08:42Z)
• Thermalization dynamics of a gauge theory on a quantum simulator [6.039858993863839]
  Gauge theories form the foundation of modern physics. We perform quantum simulations of the unitary dynamics of a U(1) symmetric gauge field theory. We investigate global quantum quenches and the equilibration to a steady state well approximated by a thermal ensemble.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-07-28T18:00:01Z)
• Standard Model Physics and the Digital Quantum Revolution: Thoughts about the Interface [68.8204255655161]
  Advances in isolating, controlling and entangling quantum systems are transforming what was once a curious feature of quantum mechanics into a vehicle for disruptive scientific and technological progress. From the perspective of three domain science theorists, this article compiles thoughts about the interface on entanglement, complexity, and quantum simulation.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-07-10T06:12:06Z)
• Realism and metaphysics in quantum mechanics [0.0]
  According to scientific realism, science gives us an approximately true description of what the world is like. We focus on the ontological and metaphysical aspects of this discussion.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-12-05T16:33:56Z)
• Preferred basis, decoherence and a quantum state of the Universe [77.34726150561087]
  We review a number of issues in foundations of quantum theory and quantum cosmology. These issues can be considered as a part of the scientific legacy of H.D. Zeh.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-06-28T18:07:59Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.