From Logic to Physics: The Logico-Algebraic Foundations of Quantum Theory

C. A. Hooker

Thomas Vetterlein

Partial Boolean algebras (PBAs) were introduced by Kochen and Specker as an algebraic model reflecting the mutual relationships among quantum-physical yes–no tests. The fact that not all pairs of tests are compatible was taken into special account. In this paper, we review PBAs from two sides. First, we generalise the concept, taking into account also those yes–no tests which are based on unsharp measurements. Namely, we introduce partial MV-algebras, and we define a corresponding logic. Second, we turn to the representation theory of PBAs. In analogy to the case of orthomodular lattices, we give conditions for a PBA to be isomorphic to the PBA of closed subspaces of a complex Hilbert space. Hereby, we do not restrict ourselves to purely algebraic statements; we rather give preference to conditions involving automorphisms of a PBA. We conclude by outlining a critical view on the logico-algebraic approach to the foundational problem of quantum physics.

Andrei Galiautdinov

Bob Coecke, David Moore, Alexander Wilce

Introduction. Operational quantum logic: An overview B. Coecke, et al. I: Algebras. Algebraic aspects of orthomodular lattices G. Bruns, J. Harding. Observables in the logico-algebraic approach P. Ptak. Test spaces and orthoalgebras A. Wilce. Representations on unigroups D.J. Foulis. Free extensions of group actions, induced representations, and the foundations of physics D.J. Foulis, A. Wilce. II: Categories. Short introduction to enriched categories F. Borceux, I. Stubbe. Operational Galois adjunctions B. Coecke, D. Moore. Operational axiomatics and compound systems F. Valckenborgh. Quantales J. Paseka, J. Rosicky. III: Languages. Quantales and observational semantics P. Resende. Quantum languages S. Gudder. Indices. Concept index. Citation index.

Ren� Mayet, Pavel Pták

In the logico-algebraic foundation of quantum mechanics one often deals with the orthomodular lattices (OML) which enjoy state-separating properties of noncompatible pairs (see e.g. [18], [9] and [15]). These properties usually guarantee reasonable “richness” of the state space—an assumption needed in developing the theory of quantum logics. In this note we consider these classes of OMLs from the universal algebra standpoint, showing, as the main result, that these classes form quasivarieties. We also illustrate by examples that these classes may (and need not) be varieties. The results supplement the research carried on in [1], [3], [4], [5], [6], [11], [12], [13] and [16].