Relational Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

We suggest that the inner syntax of Quantum Mechanics is relational logic, a form of logic developed by C. S. Peirce during the years 1870 - 1880. The Peircean logic has the structure of category theory, with relation serving as an arrow (or morphism). At the core of the relational logical system is the law of composition of relations. This law leads to the fundamental quantum rule of probability as the square of an amplitude. Our study of a simple discrete model, extended to the continuum, indicates that a finite number of degrees of freedom can live in phase space. This "granularity" of phase space is determined by Planck's constant h. We indicate also the broader philosophical ramifications of a relational quantum mechanics.