Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1404.5881 · Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics

Interpreting the Modal Kochen–Specker theorem: Possibility and many worlds in quantum mechanics

Christian DE RONDE, Héctor Freytes, Graciela Domenech

Published Dec 22, 2013• 26 citations
arXivHTMLPDF
DOI
10.1016/j.shpsb.2013.10.003

Related papers

Kochen-Specker theorem in the modal interpretation of quantum mechanics

Guido Bacciagaluppi

International Journal of Theoretical Physics•Aug 1, 1995•51 citations

Entities, Identity and the Formal Structure of Quantum Mechanics

Christian DE RONDE, Graciela Domenech, Federico Holik +1 more

The concept of individuality in quantum mechanics shows radical differences from the one used in classical physics. In particular, it is not possible to consider the fundamental particles described by quantum theory as individual distinguishable objects. In this paper we present arguments in favor of quantum non-individuality, which -in addition to those based on quantum statistics- relate to the Kochen-Specker theorem and the principle of superposition. Then, we analyze the possibility of referring to 'possible individuals' instead of 'actual individuals', and show that the Modal-Kochen-Specker theorem precludes this interpretational move.

arXiv:1203.3007•Mar 14, 2012•3 citations

The Contextual Character of Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Graciela Domenech, Héctor Freytes, Christian DE RONDE

In this article we discuss the contextual character of quantum mechanics in the framework of modal interpretations. We investigate its historical origin and relate contemporary modal interpretations to those proposed by M. Born and W. Heisenberg. We present then a general characterization of what we consider to be a modal interpretation. Following previous papers in which we have introduced modalities in the Kochen-Specker theorem, we investigate the consequences of these theorems in relation to the modal interpretations of quantum mechanics.

arXiv:0705.1660•May 11, 2007•2 citations

The Modal Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Guido Bacciagaluppi

•Apr 30, 2005•5 citations

Many worlds and modality in the interpretation of quantum mechanics: An algebraic approach

Graciela Domenech, Héctor Freytes, Christian DE RONDE

Many world interpretations (MWIs) of quantum mechanics avoid the measurement problem by considering every term in the quantum superposition as actual. A seemingly opposed solution is proposed by modal interpretations (MIs) which state that quantum mechanics does not provide an account of what “actually is the case,” but rather deals with what “might be the case,” i.e., with possibilities. In this paper we provide an algebraic framework which allows us to analyze in depth the modal aspects of MWI. Within our general formal scheme we also provide a formal comparison between MWI and MI, in particular, we provide a formal understanding of why—even though both interpretations share the same formal structure—MI fall pray of Kochen–Specker-type contradictions while MWI escape them.

arXiv:0904.4666•Journal of Mathematical Physics•Jul 1, 2009•8 citations

The Modal Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Dennis Dieks, Pieter E. Vermaas

The Western Ontario series in philosophy of science•Jan 1, 1998•244 citations
The concept of individuality in quantum mechanics shows radical differences from the one used in classical physics. In particular, it is not possible to consider the fundamental particles described by quantum theory as individual distinguishable objects. In this paper we present arguments in favor of quantum non-individuality, which -in addition to those based on quantum statistics- relate to the Kochen-Specker theorem and the principle of superposition. Then, we analyze the possibility of referring to 'possible individuals' instead of 'actual individuals', and show that the Modal-Kochen-Specker theorem precludes this interpretational move.
In this article we discuss the contextual character of quantum mechanics in the framework of modal interpretations. We investigate its historical origin and relate contemporary modal interpretations to those proposed by M. Born and W. Heisenberg. We present then a general characterization of what we consider to be a modal interpretation. Following previous papers in which we have introduced modalities in the Kochen-Specker theorem, we investigate the consequences of these theorems in relation to the modal interpretations of quantum mechanics.
Many world interpretations (MWIs) of quantum mechanics avoid the measurement problem by considering every term in the quantum superposition as actual. A seemingly opposed solution is proposed by modal interpretations (MIs) which state that quantum mechanics does not provide an account of what “actually is the case,” but rather deals with what “might be the case,” i.e., with possibilities. In this paper we provide an algebraic framework which allows us to analyze in depth the modal aspects of MWI. Within our general formal scheme we also provide a formal comparison between MWI and MI, in particular, we provide a formal understanding of why—even though both interpretations share the same formal structure—MI fall pray of Kochen–Specker-type contradictions while MWI escape them.