Kochen-Specker Theorem, Physical Invariance and Quantum Individuality

2014/12/08 by Christian de Ronde, de Ronde, Christian, César Massri +1 · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1412.2701

openalex publication_date 2014/12/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

In this paper we attempt to discuss what has Kochen-Specker (KS) theorem to say about physical invariance and quantum individuality. In particular, we will discuss the impossibility of making reference to objective physical properties within the orthodox formalism of quantum mechanics. Through an analysis of the meaning of physical invariance and quantum contextuality we will derive a Corollary to KS theorem that proves that a vector in Hilbert space cannot be interpreted coherently as an object possessing (objective) physical properties. As a consequence, the notion of quantum object can be only defined in terms of nomological properties. We conclude the paper by analyzing the consequences of this Corollary to KS theorem for the ongoing debate about quantum individuality.

Cited by

• A Realist Approach to Quantum Individuality: Against the "Received" and "Alternative" Views
• Against 'Particle Metaphysics' and 'Collapses' within the Definition of Quantum Entanglement

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