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Taking particle physics seriously: a critique of the algebraic approach to quantum field theory. (English) Zbl 1228.81050

Summary: I argue against the currently prevalent view that algebraic quantum field theory (AQFT) is the correct framework for philosophy of quantum field theory and that “conventional” quantum field theory (CQFT), of the sort used in mainstream particle physics, is not suitable for foundational study. In doing so, I defend that position that AQFT and CQFT should be understood as rival programs to resolve the mathematical and physical pathologies of renormalization theory, and that CQFT has succeeded in this task and AQFT has failed. I also defend CQFT from recent criticisms made by Doreen Fraser.

MSC:

81P05 General and philosophical questions in quantum theory
81T99 Quantum field theory; related classical field theories
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