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34Identity in Physics: Properties, Statistics and the (Non-) Individuality of Quantum ParticlesIn Henk W. de Regt (ed.), Epsa Philosophy of Science: Amsterdam 2009, Springer. pp. 227--237. 2012.An argument to the effect that non-relativistic quantum particles can be understood as individual objects in spite of the empirical evidence seemingly lending support to the opposite conclusion. Ways to understand quantum indistinguishability and quantum statistics in terms of individuals are indicated.
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1500Grades of individuality. A pluralistic view of identity in quantum mechanics and in the sciencesPhilosophical Studies 163 (3): 591-610. 2013.This paper offers a critical assessment of the current state of the debate about the identity and individuality of material objects. Its main aim, in particular, is to show that, in a sense to be carefully specified, the opposition between the Leibnizian ‘reductionist’ tradition, based on discernibility, and the sort of ‘primitivism’ that denies that facts of identity and individuality must be analysable has become outdated. In particular, it is argued that—contrary to a widespread consensus—‘na…Read more
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464Sellarsian ParticularsActa Analytica 27 (3): 293-306. 2012.Abstract In this article, a critical assessment is carried out of the two available forms of nominalism with respect to the ontological constitution of material objects: resemblance nominalism and trope theory. It is argued that these two nominalistic ontologies naturally converge towards each other when the problems they have to face are identified and plausible solutions to these problems are sought. This suggests a synthesis between the two perspectives along lines first proposed by Sellars…Read more
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158Metaphysical Infinitism and the Regress of BeingMetaphilosophy 45 (2): 232-244. 2014.This article offers a limited defense of metaphysical “infinitism,” the view that there are, or might be, infinite chains of ontological dependence. According to a widespread presupposition, there must be an ultimate ground of being—most likely, a plurality of fundamental atoms. Contrary to this view, this article shows that metaphysical infinitism is internally coherent. In particular, a parallel with the debate concerning infinitism about epistemic justification is suggested, and an “emergence…Read more
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143Dependence, Justification and Explanation: Must Reality be Well-Founded?Erkenntnis 80 (3): 555-572. 2015.This paper is about metaphysical ‘infinitism’, the view that there are, or could be, infinite chains of ontological dependence. Its main aim is to show that, contrary to widespread opinion, metaphysical infinitism is a coherent position. On the basis of this, it is then additionally argued that metaphysical infinitism need not fare worse than the more canonical ‘foundationalist’ alternatives when it comes to formulating metaphysical explanations. In the course of the discussion, a rather unexplo…Read more
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1132Weak Discernibility, Quantum Mechanics and the Generalist PictureFacta Philosophica 10 (1/2): 155--183. 2008.Saunders' recent arguments in favour of the weak discernibility of (certain) quantum particles seem to be grounded in the 'generalist' view that science only provides general descriptions of the worlIn this paper, I introduce the ‘generalist’ perspective and consider its possible justification and philosophical basis; and then look at the notion of weak discernibility. I expand on the criticisms formulated by Hawley (2006) and Dieks and Veerstegh (2008) and explain what I take to be the basic pr…Read more
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930Resembling Particulars: What Nominalism?Metaphysica 8 (2): 165-178. 2007.This paper examines a recent proposal for reviving so-called resemblance nominalism. It is argued that, although consistent, it naturally leads to trope theory upon examination for reasons having to do with the appeal of neutrality as regards certain non-trivial ontological theses.
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Università degli Studi Roma TreDipartimento di Filosofia, Comunicazione e SpettacoloAssociate Professor
Areas of Specialization
Metaphysics |
Philosophy of Physical Science |
General Philosophy of Science |