Kochen-Specker Theorem, Physical Invariance and Quantum Individuality

MASSRI, CESAR; DE RONDE, CHRISTIAN

Cadernos de Historia e Filosofia da Ciencia

Centro de Lógica, Epistemologia e História da Ciência (CLE)

Año: 2016 vol. 2

0590-1901

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.