Wüthrich, Adrian (2011) Against the impossible picture: Feynman's heuristics in his search for a divergence-free quantum electrodynamics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Arguably, the development of Feynman diagrams not only resulted in a useful tool for calculations but also brought about deep conceptual changes in the theory of quantum electrodynamics. Starting from this thesis, I try to bring to the fore a particular aspect of it. I maintain that the function of Feynman diagrams is not exhausted by their use in the application of the finished theory to concrete cases. Rather, Feynman diagrams are one of the results of Feynman's more general search for appropriate means of representation. Accordingly, the development of Feynman diagrams is a characteristic example of Feynman's heuristics.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Wüthrich, Adrian awuethr@philo.unibe.ch
Keywords:	Feynman diagrams, heuristics, means of representation, quantum electrodynamics
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Adrian Wüthrich
Date Deposited:	02 Feb 2011 00:06
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2013 15:20
Item ID:	8474
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	January 2011
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8474

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• Against the impossible picture: Feynman's heuristics in his search for a divergence-free quantum electrodynamics. (deposited 02 Feb 2011 00:06) [Currently Displayed]
  • Against the impossible picture: Feynman's heuristics in his search for a divergence-free quantum electrodynamics. (deposited 28 Feb 2013 15:20)

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