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An Interpretive Introduction to Quantum Field Theory

by Paul Teller

An Interpretive Introduction to Quantum Field Theory Cover

ISBN13: 9780691016276
ISBN10: 0691016275
Condition: Standard
All Product Details

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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Quantum mechanics is a subject that has captured the imagination of a surprisingly broad range of thinkers, including many philosophers of science. Quantum field theory, however, is a subject that has been discussed mostly by physicists. This is the first book to present quantum field theory in a manner that makes it accessible to philosophers. Because it presents a lucid view of the theory and debates that surround the theory, An Interpretive Introduction to Quantum Field Theory will interest students of physics as well as students of philosophy.

Paul Teller presents the basic ideas of quantum field theory in a way that is understandable to readers who are familiar with non-relativistic quantum mechanics. He provides information about the physics of the theory without calculational detail, and he enlightens readers on how to think about the theory physically. Along the way, he dismantles some popular myths and clarifies the novel ways in which quantum field theory is both a theory about fields and about particles. His goal is to raise questions about the philosophical implications of the theory and to offer some tentative interpretive views of his own. This provocative and thoughtful book challenges philosophers to extend their thinking beyond the realm of quantum mechanics and it challenges physicists to consider the philosophical issues that their explorations have encouraged.

Review:

In discussing the philosophical implications of quantum field theory, this book is groundbreaking. Teller has provided a real service by distilling the central notions so as to be accessible to the non-expert.

Review:

This is a valuable book. . . . [It] reflects a welcome trend toward a reassessment of the notions of meaning and visualization in contemporary science.

Review:

Provides a concise but probing introduction into the fundamentals of quantum field theory. . . . The reader who wishes to pursue the philosophical consequences that ensue when not only properties of things but the things themselves become subject to quantum superposition can do no better than to begin with Teller's book. Its combination of careful exposition and thoughtful philosophical critique is an ideal starting place for this inquiry.

Review:

Paul Teller . . . does here what philosophers do best . . . : verbalizing abstruse scientific concepts and arguments to stimulate thoughtful discourse about fundamental ideas.

Review:

This is a very readable book for initiates of relativity theory, nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, and the philosophical problems associated with the foundations of each.

Synopsis:

This monograph makes the concepts of quantum field theory accessible to philosophers. The aim of the author is to raise questions about the philosophical implications of the theory and to offer his own interpretive views. Readers must be familiar with non-relativistic quantum mechanics.

Table of Contents

Preface
Ch. 1Preliminaries and Overview3
Ch. 2From Particles to Quanta16
Ch. 3Fock Space37
Ch. 4Free Quantum Field Theory53
Ch. 5What the Quantum Field Is Not: Field and Quantal Aspects of Quantum Field Theory93
Ch. 6Interactions114
Ch. 7Infinite Renormalization149
Bibliography171
Index175

Product Details

ISBN:
9780691016276
Author:
Teller, Paul
Publisher:
Princeton University Press
Location:
Princeton
Subject:
Physics
Subject:
Quantum Theory
Subject:
Mathematical Physics
Subject:
Quantum field theory
Subject:
Philosophy
Subject:
Chemistry
Subject:
Physics and Astroscience
Copyright:
Edition Description:
Trade paper
Publication Date:
January 1997
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
College/higher education:
Language:
English
Pages:
186
Dimensions:
9.16x6.00x.58 in. .75 lbs.

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