Philosophy of Particle Physics

This Element offers an introduction to selected philosophical issues that arise in contemporary particle physics, aimed at philosophers who have limited prior exposure to quantum field theory. One the one hand, it critically surveys philosophical work on the representation of particles in quantum field theory, the formal machinery and conceptual implications of renormalization and renormalization group methods, and ontological and methodological questions raised by the use of effective field theory techniques in particle physics. On the other, it identifies topics in particle physics that have not yet received philosophical attention and sketches avenues for philosophical analysis of those topics. The primary aim of the Element is to provide philosophers of physics with an entry point into the literature on the philosophy of particle physics and identify interesting directions for future research for students and researchers alike.

List of contents

1. Introduction; 2. Quantum field theory; 3. Particles; 4. Renormalization; 5. Effective field theory; References.

Summary

This Element primarily aims to provide philosophers of physics with an entry point into the literature on the philosophy of particle physics and identify interesting directions for future research for students and researchers alike.

Foreword

This Element provides a philosophical introduction to the methodologies and the ontological commitments of contemporary particle physics.

Product details

• Authors: Porter Williams, Porter (University of Southern Californi Williams
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.06.2023
• EAN: 9781009205399
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0920539-9
• No. of pages: 75
• Series: Elements in the Philosophy of Physics
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; SCIENCE / Physics / Quantum Theory, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, Philosophy of Science, Quantum physics (quantum mechanics & quantum field theory), Quantum physics (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory), Particle & high-energy physics, Particle and high-energy physics, SCIENCE / Physics / Particle