Quantum field theory and the limits of reductionism.

I suggest that the current situation in quantum field theory (QFT) provides some reason to question the universal validity of ontological reductionism. I argue that the renormalization group flow is reversible except at fixed points, which makes the relation between large and small distance scales q...

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Publicado en:Synthese Vol. 204; no. 3; pp. 1 - 38
Autor principal: Adlam, Emily
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Springer Nature Sep2024
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: Quantum field theory and the limits of reductionism.
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        au: Adlam, Emily
        affil: https://ror.org/0452jzg20 Philosophy Department and Institute for Quantum Studies, Chapman University, 92866, Orange, CA, USA
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        Quantum Field theory
        Reductionism
        Renormalization
      ab: I suggest that the current situation in quantum field theory (QFT) provides some reason to question the universal validity of ontological reductionism. I argue that the renormalization group flow is reversible except at fixed points, which makes the relation between large and small distance scales quite symmetric in QFT, opening up at least the technical possibility of a non-reductionist approach to QFT. I suggest that some conceptual problems encountered within QFT may potentially be mitigated by moving to an alternative picture in which it is no longer the case that the large supervenes on the small. Finally, I explore some specific models in which a form of non-reductionism might be implemented, and consider the prospects for future development of these models.
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