On Theory Construction in Physics: Continuity from Classical to Quantum

Erkenntnis 82 (6):1195-1210 (2017)
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Abstract

It is well known that the process of quantization—constructing a quantum theory out of a classical theory—is not in general a uniquely determined procedure. There are many inequivalent methods that lead to different choices for what to use as our quantum theory. In this paper, I show that by requiring a condition of continuity between classical and quantum physics, we constrain and inform the quantum theories that we end up with.

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Benjamin Feintzeig
University of Washington

Citations of this work

On the Choice of Algebra for Quantization.Benjamin H. Feintzeig - 2018 - Philosophy of Science 85 (1):102-125.
Would two dimensions be world enough for spacetime?Samuel C. Fletcher, J. B. Manchak, Mike D. Schneider & James Owen Weatherall - 2018 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 63:100-113.

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References found in this work

Are Rindler Quanta Real? Inequivalent Particle Concepts in Quantum Field Theory.Rob Clifton & Hans Halvorson - 2001 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 52 (3):417-470.
A matter of degree: Putting unitary inequivalence to work.Laura Ruetsche - 2003 - Philosophy of Science 70 (5):1329-1342.
Complementarity of representations in quantum mechanics.Hans Halvorson - 2004 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 35 (1):45-56.

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