1,604 research outputs found
Axiomatic foundations of quantum mechanics revisited: the case for systems
We present an axiomatization of non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics for a
system with an arbitrary number of components. The interpretation of our system
of axioms is realistic and objective. The EPR paradox and its relation with
realism is discussed in this framework. It is shown that there is no
contradiction between realism and recent experimental results.Comment: submitted to International Journal of Theoretical Physics, uses
Latex, no figure
New remarks on the Cosmological Argument
We present a formal analysis of the Cosmological Argument in its two main
forms: that due to Aquinas, and the revised version of the Kalam Cosmological
Argument more recently advocated by William Lane Craig. We formulate these two
arguments in such a way that each conclusion follows in first-order logic from
the corresponding assumptions. Our analysis shows that the conclusion which
follows for Aquinas is considerably weaker than what his aims demand. With
formalizations that are logically valid in hand, we reinterpret the natural
language versions of the premises and conclusions in terms of concepts of
causality consistent with (and used in) recent work in cosmology done by
physicists. In brief: the Kalam argument commits the fallacy of equivocation in
a way that seems beyond repair; two of the premises adopted by Aquinas seem
dubious when the terms `cause' and `causality' are interpreted in the context
of contemporary empirical science. Thus, while there are no problems with
whether the conclusions follow logically from their assumptions, the Kalam
argument is not viable, and the Aquinas argument does not imply a caused
origination of the universe. The assumptions of the latter are at best less
than obvious relative to recent work in the sciences. We conclude with mention
of a new argument that makes some positive modifications to an alternative
variation on Aquinas by Le Poidevin, which nonetheless seems rather weak.Comment: 12 pages, accepted for publication in International Journal for
Philosophy of Religio
Exact Philosophy of Space-Time
Starting from Bunge's (1977) scientific ontology, we expose a materialistic
relational theory of space-time, that carries out the program initiated by
Leibniz, and provides a protophysical basis consistent with any rigorous
formulation of General Relativity. Space-time is constructed from general
concepts which are common to any consistent scientific theory and they are
interpreted as emergent properties of the greatest assembly of things, namely,
the world.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures. Version compatible with the published one. arXiv
admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:gr-qc/971006
Parmenides reloaded
I argue for a four dimensional, non-dynamical view of space-time, where
becoming is not an intrinsic property of reality. This view has many features
in common with the Parmenidean conception of the universe. I discuss some
recent objections to this position and I offer a comparison of the Parmenidean
space-time with an interpretation of Heraclitus' thought that presents no major
antagonism.Comment: 11 pages, accepted for publication in Foundations of Scienc
Photodetachment study of the 1s3s4s ^4S resonance in He^-
A Feshbach resonance associated with the 1s3s4s ^{4}S state of He^{-} has
been observed in the He(1s2s ^{3}S) + e^- (\epsilon s) partial photodetachment
cross section. The residual He(1s2s ^{3}S) atoms were resonantly ionized and
the resulting He^+ ions were detected in the presence of a small background. A
collinear laser-ion beam apparatus was used to attain both high resolution and
sensitivity. We measured a resonance energy E_r = 2.959 255(7) eV and a width
\Gamma = 0.19(3) meV, in agreement with a recent calculation.Comment: LaTeX article, 4 pages, 3 figures, 21 reference
Inconsistent boundaries
Research on this paper was supported by a grant from the Marsden Fund, Royal Society of New Zealand.Mereotopology is a theory of connected parts. The existence of boundaries, as parts of everyday objects, is basic to any such theory; but in classical mereotopology, there is a problem: if boundaries exist, then either distinct entities cannot be in contact, or else space is not topologically connected (Varzi in Noûs 31:26–58, 1997). In this paper we urge that this problem can be met with a paraconsistent mereotopology, and sketch the details of one such approach. The resulting theory focuses attention on the role of empty parts, in delivering a balanced and bounded metaphysics of naive space.PostprintPeer reviewe
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