Initiative for Philosophy and Foundations of Physics and Chemistry
Grupo de Filosofía de la Ciencias
FFyL - FCEyN - UBA
CastellanoResearch Group of the Project
Ontology and Intertheoretical Relations in Chemistry and Physics:
Quantum Theory as a Point of Contact
The working group is composed of an interdisciplinary team
dedicated to the study of ontology in physics and chemistry, and to the
intertheoretical relationships between the theories of these disciplines.
Project Summary:
The project focuses on the development of a conceptual framework applicable
both to the interpretation of quantum mechanics and to the study of its
relation to chemistry. It builds on previous work carried out by the members
of the research group, namely: the Modal-Hamiltonian Interpretation (MHI), a
properties-based ontology, the Tensor Product Structures (TPS) approach, and
a pluralist perspective on ontology. The research will be organized around
two modules, each with its own general and specific objectives:
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Interpretation of quantum mechanics:
The general objective of this module is to elaborate a properties-based ontology without individuals, capable of addressing the main interpretative problems of quantum mechanics. The specific objectives are to formulate a modal mereology which, when adapted to the TPS approach, allows for the description of the relation between the whole and the parts of a quantum system, thereby extending the scope of the MHI and applying it to case studies such as quasiparticles and irreversible phenomena. -
Relations between quantum mechanics and chemistry:
The general objective of this module is to provide a non-reductive framework for analyzing the ontological status of chemical entities. Its specific objectives include a critical analysis of the relationship between quantum mechanics and chemistry, questioning reductionism and assessing issues such as the deduction of molecular structure, the dimensionality of orbitals, and the role of the Hohenberg–Kohn theorems.
The central hypothesis holds that, on the basis of the modal
ontology of properties associated with the MHI, it is possible to construct
a logical–mereological framework that offers a formal elucidation of a
collapse-free quantum ontology, and that this framework—combined with the
TPS approach and a pluralist perspective—allows for the establishment of
consistent theoretical links between quantum mechanics and chemistry.
The methodology is theoretical and philosophical in nature. It consists of a
detailed study of specialized literature, a critical analysis of conceptual
problems and existing solutions, and the development of original formal
proposals (modal logic and mereology). Interdisciplinary work and
international collaboration will be prioritized, enabling the enrichment of
the discussion and the confrontation of results with different perspectives.
The work plan spans three years, during which research will be conducted in
parallel on the design of modal mereology and on the critical analysis of
reductive links between chemistry and quantum mechanics. In addition to
formal proposals, case studies such as quasiparticles and molecular
structure will be examined.
The expected overall outcome is a significant contribution to the conceptual
understanding of quantum mechanics and its relation to chemistry, as well as
to the philosophical debate on reduction and ontological pluralism in
science. The results will be presented at international conferences and
published in leading journals, fostering dialogue between philosophy,
physics, and chemistry.
Project submitted for evaluation by the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET).
Team members
Dr. Sebastian Fortin: Bachelor’s and PhD in Physical Sciences, PhD in History and Philosophy of Science. Independent Researcher at CONICET. He contributes to the research with his expertise in the philosophy of physics and chemistry, and coordinates the work across all three modules. In particular, he is the co-author, together with Olimpia Lombardi and Mario Castagnino, of the General Framework for Decoherence and has formulated the initial steps toward reconciling this framework with the Modal-Hamiltonian Interpretation.
Dra. Olimpia Lombardi: Electronic Engineer, Bachelor’s and PhD in Philosophy. Senior Researcher at CONICET. She contributes to the research with her expertise in the philosophy of physics and coordinates the work across all three modules. In particular, she is the author, together with Mario Castagnino, of the Modal-Hamiltonian Interpretation of quantum mechanics, and has formulated and developed the idea of a modal ontology of properties for the theory.
Dr. Cesar Massri: Bachelor’s and PhD in Mathematics. Associate Researcher at CONICET. He contributes to the research with the mathematical expertise necessary for the formalization of ideas on irreversibility and the interpretation of probability in modal terms. He has published work on the algebraic approach to quantum probabilities, the study of quantum entanglement, and issues of contextuality.
Dr. Martín Labarca holds a PhD (with distinction) in Social and Human Sciences and is a Professor and Licentiate in Chemistry. He is an Independent Researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). He contributes to the project with his expertise in the philosophy of chemistry and in the application of pluralist realism to chemistry. He has published articles in leading journals on reductionism in chemistry and on the concept of electronegativity.
Dr. Federico Holik holds a Licentiate degree and a PhD in Physical Sciences. He is an Adjunct Researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). He contributes to the project with his expertise in quantum logic and the interpretation of quantum information. He has published in leading international philosophy journals and will participate both in the development of the modal mereology and in its application to irreversible processes.
Dr. Matías Pasqualini holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Buenos Aires, a Licentiate degree in Philosophy, and a University Master’s degree in Teacher Education for Compulsory Secondary Education and Upper Secondary Education. He is currently conducting postdoctoral research in Philosophy under the supervision of Sebastián Fortin, supported by a CONICET postdoctoral fellowship. His research focuses on logical–formal aspects of the Modal-Hamiltonian Interpretation and quantum mereology..
Mg. Juan Pablo Jorge holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy, with a specialization in the Foundations of the Natural and Cognitive Sciences, and a Licentiate degree in Physics. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy under the supervision of Dr. Federico Holik. His doctoral research focuses on logical–formal aspects of physical theories and on the application of q-set theory to quantum technologies.
Lic. Ignacio Rojas: Bachelor’s in Philosophy, currently pursuing his PhD in Philosophy under the supervision of Sebastian Fortin and co-supervision of Olimpia Lombardi. His doctoral research focuses on the study of quantum ontology from an ontic structural realist perspective and the Modal-Hamiltonian Interpretation.
Lic. Emanuel Shai Comedi: Licenciado en Física, actualmente realizando su doctorado sobre bajo la dirección de Federico Holik. Su trabajo de tesis doctoral versa sobre el estudio de la reversibilidad y flecha del tiempo en mecánica cuántica.
Initiative for Philosophy and Foundations of Physics and Chemistry, Argentina