Wallace, David (2011) Taking Particle Physics Seriously: a Critique of the Algebraic Approach to Quantum Field Theory. Studies in the History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, 42. pp. 116-125.

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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 or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Wallace, David david.wallace@balliol.ox.ac.uk
Keywords:	quantum field theory algebraic quantum field theory Lagrangian quantum field theory
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Depositing User:	Professor David Wallace
Date Deposited:	10 Nov 2011 01:58
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2011 01:58
Item ID:	8890
Journal or Publication Title:	Studies in the History and Philosophy of Modern Physics
Official URL:	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S...
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date:	April 2011
Page Range:	pp. 116-125
Volume:	42
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8890

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