Semantic Perspective on Idealization in Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

We present an account of idealization in quantum mechanics from the perspective of the semantic approach to theories. Using the notions of “partial structures” and “partial isomorphism” we reject the dichotomy between the “theoretical” and the “phenomenological” defended by Cartwright, for example, and defend a unitary account of theories and models which offers a framework for understanding how the models of quantum mechanics relate to systems in the world. As a case study we take the calculation of atomic structure by means of the self-consistent field approach and our general conclusion is that, contrary to the claims of recent commentators, the models of quantum chemistry count as “quantum mechanical” on the twin grounds that they can be related via partial isomorphisms to models satisfying Schrödinger's equation and that they incorporate Pauli's Exclusion Principle.

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