Perspectivist Account of Truth-Theoretic Semantics in Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper proposes a perspectivist, context-dependent account of truth in quantum mechanics, addressing the Kochen-Specker contradiction by focusing on truth values within specific measurement contexts.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspectivist approach to quantum truth valuation that aligns with Tarski's criteria and emphasizes context-bound correspondence of facts.

Findings

Restores truth-value definiteness within measurement contexts

Aligns quantum truth with Tarski's material adequacy

Highlights the context-dependence of facts in quantum reality

Abstract

According to various no-go results in the foundations of quantum mechanics, for any system associated to a Hilbert space of dimension higher than two, it is not possible to assign definite truth values to all propositions pertaining to the system without generating a Kochen-Specker contradiction. In this respect, the Bub-Clifton uniqueness theorem is utilized for arguing that truth-value definiteness is consistently restored with respect to a determinate sublattice of propositions defined by the state of the quantum system concerned and a particular observable to be measured. On this basis, a perspectivist/contextual account of truth valuation in the quantum domain is produced that satisfies Tarski's criterion of material adequacy for a theory of truth. In light of the latter, perspectivist truth conforms to perspective or context-bound correspondence of a de re nature, designating locally an objectively existing state of affairs. Such an account derives by virtue of the microphysical nature of physical reality in displaying a context-dependence of facts; thus, it essentially opposes a non-perspectival, metaphysically fixed point of reference, or a panoptical standpoint from which to state all facts of nature.