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Taking Particle Physics Seriously: a Critique of the Algebraic Approach to Quantum Field Theory

Wallace, David (2011) Taking Particle Physics Seriously: a Critique of the Algebraic Approach to Quantum Field Theory. [Published Article]

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    Abstract

    I argue against the currently-prevalent view in philosophy of physics that algebraic quantum field theory (AQFT) is the correct framework for philosophy of quantum field theory and that "conventional" quantum field theory (CQFT), of the sort used in mainstream particle physics, is not suitable for foundational study. In doing so, I defend the position that AQFT and CQFT, understood in an appropriate sense, ought to be understood as rival programs to resolve the mathematical and physical pathologies of renormalization theory, and that CQFT has succeeded in this task and AQFT has failed. I also defend CQFT from recent criticisms made by Doreen Fraser.

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    Item Type: Published Article
    Keywords: quantum field theory algebraic quantum field theory Lagrangian quantum field theory
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
    Depositing User: David Wallace
    Date Deposited: 09 Nov 2011 20:58
    Last Modified: 09 Nov 2011 20:58
    Item ID: 8890
    Official URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S...
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8890

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