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119Logical aspects of quantum (non-)individualityFoundations of Science 15 (1): 79-94. 2010.In this paper I consider some logical and mathematical aspects of the discussion of the identity and individuality of quantum entities. I shall point out that for some aspects of the discussion, the logical basis cannot be put aside; on the contrary, it leads us to unavoidable conclusions which may have consequences in how we articulate certain concepts related to quantum theory. Behind the discussion, there is a general argument which suggests the possibility of a metaphysics of non-individuals…Read more
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100Why Non-individuality? A Discussion on Individuality, Identity, and Cardinality in the Quantum ContextErkenntnis (1): 1-18. 2012.Recently, in the debate about the ontology of quantum mechanics some authors have defended the view that quantum particles are individuals in a primitive sense, so that individuality should be preferred over non-individuality (the alternative option). Primitive individuality involves two main claims: (1) every item is identical with itself and (2) it is distinct from every other item. Non-relativistic quantum mechanics is said to provide positive evidence for that position, since in every situat…Read more
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36We show that using quasi-set theory, or the theory of collections of indistinguishable objects, we can define an algebra that has most of the standard properties of an orthocomplete orthomodular lattice, which is the lattice of all closed subspaces of a Hilbert space. We call the mathematical structure so obtained $\mathfrak{I}$-lattice. After discussing (in a preliminary form) some aspects of such a structure, we indicate the next problem of axiomatizing the corresponding logic, that is, a logi…Read more
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76Remarks on quantum ontologySynthese 125 (1-2): 155-167. 2000.Despite the discrepancies between quantum objects and `classical' ones, mainly with regard to the fact that the latter may be thought of as `individuals', contrary to the former, we still regard the quanta as `things' in our ordinary discourse as well as in the logico-mathematical basis of quantum theories. This paper considers some possibilities for accomodating the logico-mathematical framework of the theories which deal with such a strange ontology where the inhabitants are things devoid of i…Read more
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36Schrödinger LogicsStudia Logica 53 (4). 1994.Schrödinger logics are logical systems in which the principle of identity is not true in general. The intuitive motivation for these logics is both Erwin Schrödinger's thesis (which has been advanced by other authors) that identity lacks sense for elementary particles of modern physics, and the way which physicists deal with this concept; normally, they understandidentity as meaningindistinguishability (agreemment with respect to attributes). Observing that these concepts are equivalent in class…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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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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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 |