Quantum contextuality as a topological property, and the ontology of potentiality Cover Image

Quantum contextuality as a topological property, and the ontology of potentiality
Quantum contextuality as a topological property, and the ontology of potentiality

Author(s): Marek Woszczek
Subject(s): Philosophy, Metaphysics, Logic, Special Branches of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Published by: Copernicus Center Press
Keywords: quantum contextuality;the Bell–Kochen–Specker Theorem;quantum ontology;potentiality;ontic indefiniteness;sheaf theory;

Summary/Abstract: Quantum contextuality and its ontological meaning are very controversial issues, and they relate to other problems concerning the foundations of quantum theory. I address this controversy and stress the fact that contextuality is a universal topological property of quantum processes, which conflicts with the basic metaphysical assumption of the definiteness of being. I discuss the consequences of this fact and argue that generic quantum potentiality as a real physical indefiniteness has nothing in common with the classical notions of possibility and counterfactuality, and that also it reverses, in a way, the classical mirror-like relation between actuality and definite possibility.

  • Issue Year: 2020
  • Issue No: 69
  • Page Range: 145-189
  • Page Count: 45
  • Language: English