Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2009-07-30
Annalen Phys.522:783-801,2010
Physics
Quantum Physics
35 pages, 1 figure
Scientific paper
10.1002/andp.201000064
Underlying any theory of physics is a layer of conceptual frames. They connect the mathematical structures used in theoretical models with physical phenomena, but they also constitute our fundamental assumptions about reality. Many of the discrepancies between quantum physics and classical physics (including Maxwell's electrodynamics and relativity) can be traced back to these categorical foundations. We argue that classical physics corresponds to the factual aspects of reality and requires a categorical framework which consists of four interdependent components: boolean logic, the linear-sequential notion of time, the principle of sufficient reason, and the dichotomy between observer and observed. None of these can be dropped without affecting the others. However, in quantum theory the reduction postulate also addresses the "status nascendi" of facts, i.e., their coming into being. Therefore, quantum phyics requires a different conceptual framework which will be elaborated in this article. It is shown that many of its components are already present in the standard formalisms of quantum physics, but in most cases they are highlighted not so much from a conceptual perspective but more from their mathematical structures. The categorical frame underlying quantum physics includes a profoundly different notion of time which encompasses a crucial role for the present.
Filk Thomas
Mueller Albrecht von
No associations
LandOfFree
A Categorical Framework for Quantum Theory does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A Categorical Framework for Quantum Theory, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Categorical Framework for Quantum Theory will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-468613