Single Idea 18520

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 2. Electrodynamics / c. Electrons]

Full Idea

Although it is convenient to speak of electrons as particles or elementary substances, when they enter into relations they can 'lose their individuality. Then an electron becomes a kind of 'abstract particular', a way a given system is, a mode.

Gist of Idea

Electrons are treated as particles, but they lose their individuality in relations

Source

John Heil (The Universe as We Find It [2012], 03.7)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'The Universe as We Find It' [OUP 2012], p.47


A Reaction

Heil rightly warns us against basing our metaphysics on disputed theories of quantum mechanics.