The physics and metaphysics of primitive stuff

TL;DR

This paper proposes a primitive ontology based on primitive stuff, which is individuated by relations rather than properties, and explores its implications across physics, especially quantum mechanics, using identity-based Bohmian mechanics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel primitive ontology framework that characterizes physical entities without intrinsic properties, applying it to quantum physics and comparing metaphysical interpretations.

Findings

Primitive stuff is individuated by metrical relations.

Properties influence dynamics, not intrinsic nature.

Applicable to both classical and quantum physics.

Abstract

The paper sets out a primitive ontology of the natural world in terms of primitive stuff, that is, stuff that has as such no physical properties at all, but that is not a bare substratum either, being individuated by metrical relations. We focus on quantum physics and employ identity-based Bohmian mechanics to illustrate this view, but point out that it applies all over physics. Properties then enter into the picture exclusively through the role that they play for the dynamics of the primitive stuff. We show that such properties can be local (classical mechanics), as well as holistic (quantum mechanics), and discuss two metaphysical options to conceive them, namely Humeanism and modal realism in the guise of dispositionalism.