Quantum Humeanism, or: Physicalism without Properties

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_1AD8DC8D67B1
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Quantum Humeanism, or: Physicalism without Properties
Journal
The Philosophical Quarterly
Author(s)
Esfeld Michael
ISSN
1467-9213
0031-8094
Publication state
Published
Issued date
07/2014
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
64
Number
256
Pages
453-470
Language
english
Abstract
In the recent literature, it has become clear that quantum physics does not refute Humeanism: Lewis's thesis of Humean supervenience can be literally true even in the light of quantum entanglement. This point has so far been made with respect to Bohm's quantum theory. Against this background, this paper seeks to achieve the following four results: (1) to generalize the option of quantum Humeanism from Bohmian mechanics to primitive ontology theories in general; (2) to show that this option applies also to classical mechanics; (3) to establish that it requires a commitment to matter as primitive stuff, but no commitment to natural properties (physicalism without properties); (4) to point out that by removing the commitment to properties, the stock metaphysical objections against Humeanism from quidditism and humility no longer apply. In that way, quantum physics strengthens Humeanism instead of refuting it.
Keywords
Humeanism, Humean supervenience, physicalism, primitive ontology, quantum physics, quantum entanglement, non-locality, Bohmian mechanics, GRW matter density theory, GRW flash theory
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
09/03/2016 17:49
Last modification date
14/02/2022 8:54
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