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Quantum Field Theory: Underdetermination, Inconsistency, and Idealization

Fraser, Doreen (2009) Quantum Field Theory: Underdetermination, Inconsistency, and Idealization. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Quantum field theory (QFT) presents a genuine example of the underdetermination of theory by empirical evidence. There are variants of QFT which are empirically indistinguishable yet support different interpretations. This case is of particular interest to philosophers of physics because, before the philosophical work of interpreting QFT can proceed, the question of which variant should be subject to interpretation must be settled. At one end of the spectrum of variants of QFT is the version which is found in introductory textbooks and employed by most working physicists; this is the variant of QFT which introduces renormalization procedures to facilitate the calculation of scattering matrix elements. At the other end of the spectrum are axiomatic presentations of QFT, which are rigorous but remote from practical applications. New arguments are offered for basing the interpretation of QFT on a rigorous axiomatic variant of the theory. The pivotal considerations are the roles that consistency and idealization play in this case.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Fraser, Doreen
Keywords: quantum field theory, algebraic quantum field theory, Lagrangian quantum field theory, underdetermination, inconsistency, idealization
Subjects: General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Structure of Theories
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Models and Idealization
General Issues > Theory Change
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Depositing User: Doreen Fraser
Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2009
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:18
Item ID: 4730
Subjects: General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Structure of Theories
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Models and Idealization
General Issues > Theory Change
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date: June 2009
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/4730

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