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48Quantifiers and the Foundations of Quasi-Set TheoryPrincipia: An International Journal of Epistemology 13 (3): 251-268. 2009.In this paper we discuss some questions proposed by Prof. Newton da Costa on the foundations of quasi-set theory. His main doubts concern the possibility of a reasonable semantical understanding of the theory, mainly due to the fact that identity and difference do not apply to some entities of the theory’s intended domain of discourse. According to him, the quantifiers employed in the theory, when understood in the usual way, rely on the assumption that identity applies to all entities in the do…Read more
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177Identity, indiscernibility, and philosophical claimsAxiomathes 15 (2): 191-210. 2005.The concept of indiscernibility in a structure is analysed with the aim of emphasizing that in asserting that two objects are indiscernible, it is useful to consider these objects as members of (the domain of) a structure. A case for this usefulness is presented by examining the consequences of this view to the philosophical discussion on identity and indiscernibility in quantum theory.
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108A formal framework for quantum non-individualitySynthese 102 (1). 1995.H. Post's conception of quantal particles as non-individuals is set in a formal logico-mathematical framework. By means of this approach certain metaphysical implications of quantum mechanics can be further explored.
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111Remarks on the Theory of Quasi-setsStudia Logica 95 (1-2). 2010.Quasi-set theory has been proposed as a means of handling collections of indiscernible objects. Although the most direct application of the theory is quantum physics, it can be seen per se as a non-classical logic (a non-reflexive logic). In this paper we revise and correct some aspects of quasi-set theory as presented in [12], so as to avoid some misunderstandings and possible misinterpretations about the results achieved by the theory. Some further ideas with regard to quantum field theory are…Read more
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30Teorias e Modelos em Genética de Populações: Um exemplo do uso do Método Axiomático em BiologiaEpisteme 11 (24): 269-291. 2006.A investigação de um domínio amplo da realidade, como a evolução dosseres vivos, pode dar origem a diferentes “teorias”, cada uma consoantecom uma particular perspectiva que se considere. Para que se proceda auma análise detalhada dos pressupostos e conceitos que baseiam umadeterminada visão, o método axiomático parece ser a melhor das opções.Neste artigo, são discutidas algumas teorias da biologia evolutiva de umponto de vista axiomático, mostrando-se de que forma se pode apresentarum “predicad…Read more
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4Book review (review)Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 36 (1): 210-217. 2005.
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150Quantum sortal predicatesSynthese 154 (3). 2007.Sortal predicates have been associated with a counting process, which acts as a criterion of identity for the individuals they correctly apply to. We discuss in what sense certain types of predicates suggested by quantum physics deserve the title of ‘sortal’ as well, although they do not characterize either a process of counting or a criterion of identity for the entities that fall under them. We call such predicates ‘quantum-sortal predicates’ and, instead of a process of counting, to them is a…Read more
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106Relativizations of the Principle of IdentityLogic Journal of the IGPL 5 (3): 17-29. 1997.We discuss some logico-mathematical systems which deviate from classical logic and mathematics with respect to the concept of identity. In the first part of the paper we present very general formulations of the principle of identity and show how they can be ‘relativized’ to objects and to properties. Then, as an application, we study the particular cases of physics and logic . In the last part of the paper, we discuss the alphabar logics, that is, those logical systems which violate a formulatio…Read more
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46Newton da Costa e a Filosofia de Quase-verdadePrincipia: An International Journal of Epistemology 13 (2): 105-128. 2009.This paper intends to introduce the three issues of Principia which will appear in a sequel honoring Newton da Costa’s 80th birthday. Instead of presenting the papers one by one, as it is common in presentations such as this one, we have left the papers speak by themselves, and instead we have preferred to present to the Brazilian readers, specialty to our students, some aspects of Newton da Costa’s conception of science and of the scientific activity, grounded on the concept of quasi-truth, whi…Read more
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Federal University of Santa CatarinaProfessor
University of São Paulo
Department of Philosophy, Languages and Literature, and Human Sciences
PhD, 1990
Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Areas of Specialization
Logic and Philosophy of Logic |
Philosophy of Physical Science |