A Philosophical Approach to Quantum Field Theory

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.

• Applies philosophical ideas to develop a new and unique perspective on various approaches to quantum field theory
• Challenges and supports the reader in recognizing the conceptual foundations of quantum field theory
• Formulates quantum field theory in the setting of irreversible dynamics to account for particle creation and annihilation processes that are completely beyond our control