Lugano Philosophy Colloquia. Matteo Morganti

Matteo Morganti (University of Rome 3) will give a talk on Friday, October 31 at 4.30pm (CET), Room Multiuso FTL Building (USI west campus), as part of the Lugano Philosophy Colloquia of Fall 2025.

Haecceitism and (Quantum) Physics

Chaired by Cristian Mariani

Abstract: Space-time points and quantum particles of the same type are permutation invariant: exchanging two of them does not give rise to a physically distinct situation. This is commonly taken to entail that these entities violate haecceitism and, consequently, are not individuals. My aim in this talk is to carefully analyse this line of argument – focusing, in particular, on the quantum domain - and show that it is not as straightforward as it may seem. Rather than to claim that quantum particles (and perhaps space-time points) are in fact individuals, however, my more modest goal is to provide a clearer overview of the situation and of the available options.

For more info, click here.