[Paper Review] On the logic of quantum physics and the concept of the time

L. Foschini|ArXiv.org|Apr 16, 1998

Quantum Mechanics and Applications39 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper investigates the logical structure of quantum physics through the lens of formal systems, arguing that the flow of time prevents contradictions by separating complementary quantum aspects. It reinterprets Bohr's complementarity as a temporal resolution of logical inconsistency, proposing time as a foundational mechanism for consistency in quantum theory.

ABSTRACT

The logic--linguistic structure of quantum physics is analysed. The role of formal systems and interpretations in the representation of nature is investigated. The problems of decidability, completeness, and consistency can affect quantum physics in different ways. Bohr's complementarity is of great interest,because it is a contradictory proposition. We shall see that the flowing of time prevents the birth of contradictions in nature, because it makes a cut between two different, but complementary aspects of the reality.

Motivation & Objective

• To analyze the logical and linguistic structure of quantum physics using formal systems.
• To investigate how decidability, completeness, and consistency affect quantum theory.
• To reinterpret Bohr's complementarity as a logical contradiction resolved by the flow of time.
• To explore time as a mechanism that separates complementary quantum aspects, preventing inconsistency.
• To establish a conceptual framework where time ensures logical consistency in quantum descriptions.

Proposed method

• Analyzes quantum physics through formal systems and their interpretations.
• Examines the role of time in distinguishing between complementary quantum descriptions.
• Applies principles of logical consistency to quantum phenomena, treating time as a temporal cut.
• Reinterprets Bohr's complementarity as a contradiction resolved by temporal separation.
• Uses logical analysis to show that time prevents the simultaneous realization of contradictory quantum properties.
• Merges insights from two prior versions (quant-ph/9804040 and quant-ph/9901013) into a unified conceptual framework.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How do formal systems and interpretations shape the logical structure of quantum physics?
• RQ2 In what way can decidability, completeness, and consistency be meaningfully applied to quantum theory?
• RQ3 Why does Bohr's complementarity represent a logical contradiction, and how is it resolved?
• RQ4 How does the flow of time prevent logical inconsistencies in quantum mechanics?
• RQ5 What role does time play in separating complementary aspects of quantum reality?

Key findings

• The flow of time acts as a logical separator between complementary quantum properties, preventing contradiction.
• Bohr's complementarity is interpreted as a logical contradiction that is resolved by temporal ordering.
• Formal systems in quantum physics are subject to issues of decidability, completeness, and consistency, which time helps resolve.
• The paper redefines the role of time not just as a parameter, but as a foundational mechanism for logical consistency.
• The revised version (v4) integrates insights from a prior work (quant-ph/9901013), strengthening the conceptual framework.
• The analysis concludes that time is essential for maintaining coherence in quantum descriptions, even when they are logically incompatible.