Discerning elementary particles

Abstract

We maximally extend the quantum-mechanical results of Muller and Saunders (2008) establishing the 'weak discernibility' of an arbitrary number of similar fermions in finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces. This confutes the currently dominant view that (A) the quantum-mechanical description of similar particles conflicts with Leibniz's Principle of the Identity of Indiscernibles (PII); and that (B) the only way to save PII is by adopting some heavy metaphysical notion such as Scotusian haecceitas or Adamsian primitive thisness.We take sides with Muller and Saunders (2008) against this currently dominant view, which has been expounded and defended by many. © 2009 by the Philosophy of Science Association. All rights reserved.