[Vdp] Physics meets Philosophy Talk - Tomasz Bigaj: "Identity of indiscernibles and modern physics", September 23, 11:30

Dear all, I am pleased to hereby invite you to the next "Physics meets Philosophy" talk: Time: 23/09 (Monday) at 11:30 Location: Room 2H, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/2nd floor Speaker: Prof Tomasz Bigaj (University of Warsaw) Title: Identity of indiscernibles and modern physics (see abstract below) In case you are not able to attend the event in person, you can connect via the following Zoom link: https://univienna.zoom.us/j/63418578318?pwd=h3u23UdTLw6hbrJqE8yPBHHKaeanHj.1 Meeting-ID: 634 1857 8318 Password: 166689 Abstract: The metaphysical principle of the identity of indiscernibles states that any two distinct objects must differ qualitatively. The exact meaning and validity of this principle depends on how precisely we define qualitative difference between objects. There are several options considered in the philosophical literature, which I will briefly outline. Subsequently I will pose the question of the purported violation of this principle in modern physical theories, primarily in quantum mechanics. It is often argued that the symmetrization postulate regarding systems of so-called identical particles forces us to abandon the identity of indiscernibles in its strongest form. I will show that this is by no means a forgone conclusion. There are some formal methods of individuating quantum particles of the same type which enable us to distinguish them qualitatively in the majority of experimental situations. I will also briefly discuss the status of the principle in the physical theories of space-time. In this context the principle is threatened primarily by the apparent existence of distinct but qualitatively indistinguishable models of space-time, connected by underlying symmetries of theories, such as the Galilean symmetries of classical mechanics or diffeomorphisms of general relativity. One solution to this challenge is to adopt the position of relationism with respect to spacetime. I will argue that it is possible to identify the symmetry-connected models without abandoning the view that spacetime is an independent substance. For more information on "Physics meets Philosophy", see https://sites.google.com/view/physphilvienna Best wishes Sebastian _______________________________________________ Hermes mailing list -- hermes(a)lists.philo.at To unsubscribe send an email to hermes-leave(a)lists.philo.at