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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.

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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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