Quantum Mechanics as a Carnapian Language

TL;DR

This paper explores reconstructing quantum mechanics as a Carnapian language using inferentialism, aiming to clarify its logical structure and address philosophical criticisms.

Contribution

It proposes an inferentialist approach to formulate quantum mechanics within Carnap's framework, offering a novel perspective on its logical and philosophical analysis.

Findings

Inferentialism overcomes criticisms of Carnapian analysis.

Quantum mechanics can be formulated as a Carnapian language.

The approach clarifies the logical structure of quantum theory.

Abstract

The paper discusses Carnap's claim that a proper philosophical analysis of quantum mechanics, including a determination of whether its logic has to be revised, requires a rational reconstruction of the theory. Several articulations of the notion of rational reconstruction are recalled, followed by a brief analysis of two standard criticisms of Carnap's claim. The paper suggests that adopting inferentialism overcomes both criticisms, and then considers the possibility of formulating quantum mechanics as a Carnapian language with an inferentialist semantics.