Talk Abstract
The Kochen-Specker theorem places constraints on the valuation schemes compatible with the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. On some presentations of the theorem it is ambiguous whether the valuations in question are numerical valuations of quantities or truth valuations of propositions. This is a consequence of the fact that the theorem was originally developed within the framework of quantum logic in which numerical valuations and truth valuations are equivalent. If one treats the semantic content of quantum propositions according to classical logic, there is no such equivalence and one must carefully attend to the distinction between numerical valuations and truth valuations. We demonstrate how to recast the Kochen-Specker theorem as a constraint on numerical valuations of quantities. This recasting is compatible with classical truth valuations for quantum propositions.

Speaker Bio:
Michael Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. His interest lie at the intersection of philosophy of physics, philosophy of science, and metaphysics. His research focuses on the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, and the semantics of scientific theories more generally.