Holistic logical arguments in quantum computation (Q2822864)

Quantum computation and information provides a means for developing a nonclassical logic. Just as a classical computer can be employed to determine whether classical propositions are true or false, a quantum computer can do the same for quantum propositions. The resulting logic is called a quantum computational logic (QCL). In QCL the propositions are represented by unit vectors or density operators in a Hilbert space while the logical connectives are represented by unitary operators on the same space. Some of these operators such as negation, conjunction and disjunction act like their classical counterparts, while others such as the Hadamard and Toffoli gates and the square root of not correspond to genuine quantum operations. Fundamental quantum concepts such as superposition and entanglement are used as semantic resources for a formal analysis in which ambiguity, holism and contextuality play a role. The paper presents a survey of the most significant logical arguments that are valid or that are possibly violated according to a holistic version of QCL.