Identity in Physics: A Historical, Philosophical, and Formal Analysis

by Steven French and Decio Krause

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Can quantum particles be regarded as individuals, just like books, tables and people? According to the 'received' view - articulated by several physicists in the immediate aftermath of the quantum revolution - quantum physics itself tells us they cannot: quantum particles, unlike their classical counterparts, must be regarded as 'non-individuals' in some sense. However, recent work has indicated that this is not the whole story and that the theory is also consistent
with the position that such particles can be taken to be individuals, albeit at a metaphysical price.
Drawing on philosophical accounts of identity and individuality, as...Read more
  • ISBN10 0199278245
  • ISBN13 9780199278244
  • Publish Date 22 June 2006 (first published 1 January 2006)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country GB
  • Publisher Oxford University Press
  • Imprint Clarendon Press
  • Format Hardcover
  • Pages 440
  • Language English