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On the Choice of Algebra for Quantization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Benjamin H. Feintzeig
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Abstract

In this article, I examine the relationship between physical quantities and physical states in quantum theories. I argue against the claim made by Arageorgis that the approach to interpreting quantum theories known as Algebraic Imperialism allows for “too many states.” I prove a result establishing that the Algebraic Imperialist has very general resources that she can employ to change her abstract algebra of quantities in order to rule out unphysical states.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 85 , Issue 1 , January 2018 , pp. 102 - 125
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†.

I would like to thank Hans Halvorson, Jim Weatherall, and two anonymous referees for helpful comments.

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