Philosophical Foundations of Quantum Field Theory [Paperback]

Quantum field theory, one of the most rapidly developing areas of contemporary physics, is full of problems of great theoretical and philosophical interest. This collection of essays is the first systematic exploration of the nature and implications of quantum field theory. The contributors discuss quantum field theory from a wide variety of standpoints, exploring in detail its mathematical structure and metaphysical and methodological implications.

PART I: Quantum Field Theory as an Object of Philosophical Study: Two Views
1. A Philosopher Looks at Quantum Field Theory,Michael Redhead
2. Foundational Problems in and Methodological Lessons from Quantum Field Theory,James Cushing
PART II: The Problems of Virtual Particles and Renormalization
3. Virtual Particles and the Interpretation of Quantum Field Theory,Robert Weingard
4. Parsing the Amplitudes,Rom Harre
5. Three Problems of Renormalization,Paul Teller
PART III: Covariance Principles in Quantum Field Theory
6. Hyperplane-Dependent Quantized Fields and Lorentz Invariance,Gordon Fleming
7. Gauge Theory and the Geometrization of Fundamental Physics,Tian-Yu Cao
PART IV: Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Field Theory
8. Why Should Anyone Want to Axiomatize Quantum Field Theory? Ray Streater
9. The Algebraic Approach to Quantum Field Theory,Simon Saunders

The book offers a substantial and stimulating commentary on QFT as an object of philosophical enquiry. . . .The book offers a solid, useful and much needed beginning, and is for the most part clearly written and always clearly presented. I urge anyone with an interest in the subject to acquire it. --Philosophy of Science