The Labyrinth of Quantum Logic
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Tim Maudlin
Abstract
Quantum mechanics predicts many surprising phenomena, including the two-slit interference of electrons. It has often been claimed that these phenomena cannot be understood in classical terms. But the meaning of “classical” is often not precisely specified. One might, for example, interpret it as “classical physics” or “classical logic” or “classical probability theory.” Quantum mechanics also suffers from a conceptual difficulty known as the measurement problem. Early in his career, Hilary Putnam believed that modifications of classical logic could both solve the measurement problem and account for the twoslit phenomena. Over 40 years later he had abandoned quantum logic in favor of the investigation of various theories - using classical logic and probability theory - that can accomplish these tasks. The trajectory from Putnam’s earlier views to his later views illustrates the difficulty trying to solve physical problems with alterations of logic or mathematics.
Abstract
Quantum mechanics predicts many surprising phenomena, including the two-slit interference of electrons. It has often been claimed that these phenomena cannot be understood in classical terms. But the meaning of “classical” is often not precisely specified. One might, for example, interpret it as “classical physics” or “classical logic” or “classical probability theory.” Quantum mechanics also suffers from a conceptual difficulty known as the measurement problem. Early in his career, Hilary Putnam believed that modifications of classical logic could both solve the measurement problem and account for the twoslit phenomena. Over 40 years later he had abandoned quantum logic in favor of the investigation of various theories - using classical logic and probability theory - that can accomplish these tasks. The trajectory from Putnam’s earlier views to his later views illustrates the difficulty trying to solve physical problems with alterations of logic or mathematics.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of Abbreviations VII
- An Introduction to Hilary Putnam 1
- Introduction to this Volume 47
- Putnam’s Proof Revisited 63
- Language, Meaning, and Context Sensitivity: Confronting a “Moving-Target” 89
- Externalism and the First-Person Perspective 107
- Putnam on Trans-Theoretical Terms and Contextual Apriority 131
- Mathematical Internal Realism 157
- The Labyrinth of Quantum Logic 183
- Fulfillability, Instability, and Incompleteness 207
- Putnam’s Aristotle 227
- Davidson and Putnam on the Antinomy of Free Will 249
- Putnam on Radical Scepticism: Wittgenstein, Cavell, and Occasion- Sensitive Semantics 263
- Natural Laws and Human Language 289
- Balance in The Golden Bowl: Attuning Philosophy and Literary Criticism 309
- Bibliography 331
- Contributors 349
- Index 353
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of Abbreviations VII
- An Introduction to Hilary Putnam 1
- Introduction to this Volume 47
- Putnam’s Proof Revisited 63
- Language, Meaning, and Context Sensitivity: Confronting a “Moving-Target” 89
- Externalism and the First-Person Perspective 107
- Putnam on Trans-Theoretical Terms and Contextual Apriority 131
- Mathematical Internal Realism 157
- The Labyrinth of Quantum Logic 183
- Fulfillability, Instability, and Incompleteness 207
- Putnam’s Aristotle 227
- Davidson and Putnam on the Antinomy of Free Will 249
- Putnam on Radical Scepticism: Wittgenstein, Cavell, and Occasion- Sensitive Semantics 263
- Natural Laws and Human Language 289
- Balance in The Golden Bowl: Attuning Philosophy and Literary Criticism 309
- Bibliography 331
- Contributors 349
- Index 353
