Identical Particles in Quantum Mechanics: Against the Received View (version 2022)

According to the “Received View” identical quantum particles are a previously unknown kind of objects that do not possess individuality. In this Chapter we discuss this view, criticize it, and propose an alternative. According to this alternative view so-called “identical quantum particles” should in many cases not be seen as objects —particles— at all. However, there are situations in which a particle picture does become applicable. But the particles that emerge in these cases are distinguishable individuals, unlike the particles of the Received View