Quantum sortal predicates

Authors: Krause, Décio¹; French, Steven²

Source: Synthese, Volume 154, Number 3, February 2007 , pp. 417-430(14)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Sortal predicates have been associated with a counting process, which acts as a criterion of identity for the individuals they correctly apply to. We discuss in what sense certain types of predicates suggested by quantum physics deserve the title of `sortal' as well, although they do not characterize either a process of counting or a criterion of identity for the entities that fall under them. We call such predicates `quantum-sortal predicates' and, instead of a process of counting, to them is associated a `criterion of cardinality'. After their general characterization, it is discussed how these predicates can be formally described.

Keywords: Sortal predication; Quantum predicates; Sortal logic; Intensional semantics

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11229-006-9127-8

Affiliations: 1: Email: dkrause@cfh.ufsc.br 2: Email: s.r.d.french@leeds.ac.uk

Publication date: 2007-02-01