KOCHEN-SPECKER THEOREM, PHYSICAL INVARIANCE AND QUANTUM INDIVIDUALITY

In this paper we attempt to discuss what has the Kochen-Specker (KS)theorem to say about physical invariance and quantum individuality. In particular, wewill discuss the impossibility of making reference to objective physical properties withinthe orthodox formalism of quantum mechanics. Through an analysis of the meaning ofphysical invariance and quantum contextuality we will derive a Corollary to the KStheorem that proves that a vector in Hilbert space cannot be interpreted coherently asan object possessing (objective) physical properties. As a consequence, the notion ofquantum object can be only defined in terms of nomological properties. We concludethe paper by analyzing the consequences of this Corollary to the KS theorem for theongoing debate about quantum individuality.