Existence as Distinguishability: Quantum Mechanics from Finite Graded Equality
Julian G. Zilly
quant-ph
Mar 12, 2026 · v1
TL;DR
Machine-checks in Lean 4 the algebraic spine of a derivation of finite-dimensional quantum mechanics modulo five imported theorems.
Abstract
We derive finite-dimensional quantum mechanics from a single ontological principle, that \emph{existence is constituted by distinguishability}, together with two structural commitments: finite capacity $N$ (parametric input) and self-referential consistency (SRC, a closure schema with two equivalent forms, operational and information-theoretic). SRC unpacks into eight derived structural conditions; structural unambiguity (S5) completes the hierarchy, uniquely selecting the Born rule as the geometric/probabilistic closure. The graded distinguishability kernel $K(x,y) \in [0,1]$ realises both axioms, with a state constituted by its $K$-profile against all others. For each $N \geq 3$, the unique distinguishability space is $(\mathbb{C} P^{N-1}, K)$ with $K(ψ,φ) = 1 - |\langleψ|φ\rangle|^2$, from which complex coefficients, the Born rule $p_k = |c_k|^2$, unitary dynamics, and tensor-product composition all follow. Indeterminism is forced by capacity overflow; alternatives (e.g. Bohmian mechanics) are classified rather than refuted. Standard QM is the $N \to \infty$ limit; finite $N$ is the only free parameter. The algebraic spine is machine-checked in Lean 4 modulo five imported classical theorems and the existence direction of Stone's theorem; the Appendix states the verification scope.
Problem
Deriving quantum mechanics from minimal axioms typically presupposes Hilbert space structure or operational probabilities. A derivation from a single ontological principle without these assumptions, yielding the full quantum formalism including the Born rule and complex coefficients, was lacking.
Approach
Starting from the principle that existence is constituted by distinguishability plus two structural commitments (finite capacity N and self-referential consistency), the authors derive finite-dimensional quantum mechanics. A graded distinguishability kernel K(x,y) in [0,1] encodes both axioms, with states constituted by their K-profiles. Eight derived structural conditions plus structural unambiguity uniquely select the Born rule. The algebraic spine is machine-checked in Lean 4 modulo five imported classical theorems and the existence direction of Stone's theorem.
Results
For each N >= 3, the unique distinguishability space is (CP^{N-1}, K) with K(psi,phi) = 1 - |<psi|phi>|^2. Complex coefficients, the Born rule p_k = |c_k|^2, unitary dynamics, and tensor-product composition all follow. Indeterminism is forced by capacity overflow. Standard QM is the N -> infinity limit.