A philosophical approach to quantum field theory
Description
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.
From the Back Cover
“Refreshingly unconventional and highly original: written by a distinguished expert in non-equilibrium quantum dynamics with a profound passion for philosophy, this is a cornucopia of ideas for those interested in the foundations of quantum theory and in temporal asymmetries.”
Simon Friederich, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Groningen
Table of Contents
1 Approach to Quantum Field Theory
1.1 Philosophical Contemplations
1.2 Mathematical and Physical Elements
2 Scalar Field Theory
2.1 Some Basic Equations
2.2 Propagator
2.3 Vertex Function
2.4 Summary and Discussion
3 Quantum Electrodynamics
3.1 The Dirac Equation
3.2 Mathematical Image of Quantum Electrodynamics
3.3 Schwinger Model
3.4 Confrontation with the Real World
4 Perspectives
4.1 The Nature of Quantum Field Theory
4.2 Open Mathematical Problems
4.3 Future Developments
Appendix A: An Efficient Perturbation Scheme
Appendix B: Properties of Dirac Matrices
Appendix C: Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff Formulas
Bonus Material
Appendix D: Discrete Symmetries Download» (PDF, 239 KB)vertical_align_bottom