A Philosophical Approach to Quantum Field Theory

Based on carefully motivated metaphysical concepts, quantum field theory is explored as a robust and intuitive mathematical image of nature.

Hans Christian Öttinger (Author)

9781108415118, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 January 2018

270 pages, 26 b/w illus. 4 tables
25.4 x 17.8 x 1.7 cm, 0.71 kg

This text presents an intuitive and robust mathematical image of fundamental particle physics based on a novel approach to quantum field theory, which is guided by four carefully motivated metaphysical postulates. In particular, the book explores a dissipative approach to quantum field theory, which is illustrated for scalar field theory and quantum electrodynamics, and proposes an attractive explanation of the Planck scale in quantum gravity. Offering a radically new perspective on this topic, the book focuses on the conceptual foundations of quantum field theory and ontological questions. It also suggests a new stochastic simulation technique in quantum field theory which is complementary to existing ones. Encouraging rigor in a field containing many mathematical subtleties and pitfalls this text is a helpful companion for students of physics and philosophers interested in quantum field theory, and it allows readers to gain an intuitive rather than a formal understanding.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Approach to quantum field theory
2. Scalar field theory
3. Quantum electrodynamics
4. Perspectives
Appendix A. An efficient perturbation scheme
Appendix B. Properties of Dirac matrices
Appendix C. Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formulas
References
Author index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], Particle & high-energy physics [PHP], Philosophy of science [PDA]