Koberinski, Adam (2026) The fate of particles in finite-temperature quantum field theory. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper I provide a new context in which one should be skeptical of the applicability of one form of particle ontology for quantum field theory. I show that the approximate, non-fundamental particle ontology that conventionally underwrites scattering theory in the vacuum fails to apply to finite-temperature quantum field theory. Thus, the scope of an emergent particle ontology is further restricted for the framework of quantum field theory as a whole. I discuss the implications of this failure for understanding particlelike phenomenology in finite-temperature applications of the Standard Model, most notably the quark-gluon plasma. While some particle phenomenology can be recovered, several further features typically associated with particles are lost in this domain.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Koberinski, Adam akoberin@uwo.ca 0000-0001-7605-4214
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in the European Journal for Philosophy of Science
Keywords:	Quantum field theory; Ontology; finite-temperature field theory
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Depositing User:	Dr. Adam Koberinski
Date Deposited:	01 Apr 2026 12:42
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2026 12:42
Item ID:	28848
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date:	2026
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28848

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