Maggiani, Marco (2024) The Unruh Effect and Theory Intepretation in an Effective Framework. [Preprint]

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Abstract

I discuss the ontological implications of the Unruh Effect if quantum field theory is taken to be an effective theory. In the context of the “algebraic” approach to the philosophy of quantum field theory, the Unruh Effect can be exploited to construct arguments against particle interpretations. I argue that, since those arguments make use of the notion of fundamentality in a possible world, they cannot be understood in a framework that takes quantum field theory to be an effective theory. I then propose a reformulation that is valid for effective field theories. I conclude by noting that, given that analogous arguments against field interpretations can be made in the algebraic context but not in the effective one, arguments against particles from the Unruh Effect are much more powerful in the latter. I also present a method for interpreting effective theories along the way.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Maggiani, Marco MAM773@pitt.edu
Keywords:	Quantum Field Theory, Effective Field Theory, Unruh Effect, Theory Interpretation
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Depositing User:	Mr. Marco Maggiani
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2024 01:55
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2024 01:55
Item ID:	23159
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date:	1 March 2024
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23159

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• The Unruh Effect and Theory Intepretation in an Effective Framework. (deposited 02 Mar 2024 01:55) [Currently Displayed]
  • The Unruh Effect and Theory Interpretation in an Effective Framework. (deposited 02 Mar 2024 21:50)

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