Existence as Distinguishability: Quantum Mechanics from Finite Graded Equality
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 (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 realises both axioms, with a state constituted by its -profile against all others. For each , the unique distinguishability space is with , from which complex coefficients, the Born rule , 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 limit; finite 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.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2603.11900,
title = {Existence as Distinguishability: Quantum Mechanics from Finite Graded Equality},
author = {Julian G. Zilly},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.11900},
year = {2026}
}