Eventos Quânticos e Reducionismo Causal

Vol 17, No 3 (2013) • Principia: an international journal of epistemology

Autor: Osvaldo Pessoa Jr.

Abstract:

This paper is the first step in an investigation of whether microscopic events can be reduced to a mereological composition of elementary events, especially in biological systems. The hypothesis is made that, between events in which quanta are exchanged, there is causal flow, but strictly speaking no events take place. A causal event is characterized by the possibility of an intervention or manipulation. Thus, three types of quantum mechanical events may be found: (1) detection of a quantum of energy; (2) confinement by an apparatus in a Glauber coherent state; (3) null result measurement (without exchange of quanta). The paper explores these three types of elementary causal events, e sets forth as the next step the investigation of the causal events involved in the action of a molecular motor.

 

ISSN: 1414-4217

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1808-1711.2013v17n3p365

Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/principia/article/view/1808-1711.2013v17n3p365/26781

Palavras-Chave: Quantum mechanics,causation,event,reductionis

Principia: an international journal of epistemology

"PRINCIPIA
"Principia: an international journal of epistemology" was founded in 1997 and regularly publishes articles, discussions and review. The journal aims to publish original scholarly work especially in epistemology area , with an emphasis on material of general interest to academic philosophers. Originally published only in print version (ISSN: 1414-4247), in 2005 the journal began to be published also in online version (ISSN: 1808-1711). Since 1999 are published three issues per year: in April, August and December. Qualis CAPES: A2