A Philosophical approach to quantum field theory/ Hans Christian Ottinger

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 functions
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
Appendix B
Appendix C
References
Indexes
Author index
Subject index

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.