Talk (Dec.10) and Workshop (Dec.14) at the MCMP

[Dardashti, Radin]

Speaker: Meinard Kuhlmann (Mainz)
Date: Wed., December 10
Location: Ludwigstr. 31, ground floor, room 021
Time: 18:15 - 19:45

Title: A Trope Bundle Interpretation of Algebraic Quantum Field Theory

Abstract: Algebraic quantum field theory (AQFT) is a conceptually lucid 
reformulation of the conventional theory of quantum fields. I consider 
AQFT to be the appropriate starting point for ontological considerations 
about QFT because, like the philosophical discipline of ontology, AQFT 
strives for a clear, justified and parsimonious separation of basic and 
derived classes of entities. I argue that the one-category theory of 
particularized properties or 'tropes', which analyses all other entities 
in terms of the basic category of tropes, yields the most appropriate 
ontological reading of AQFT. Among other things I will show that trope 
ontology and AQFT have essential structural similarities. I argue in 
particular that the trope-ontological conception of objects as bundles 
of tropes is related to the pivotal net structure of observable algebras 
in AQFT. Eventually, I show that the identification of trope-like 
entities in AQFT is best achieved via the notion of representations in 
the algebraic theory of superselection sectors, where the notion of 
inequivalent irreducible representations allows for a neat distinction 
of essential and non-essential properties/tropes.


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Irvine-Munich Workshop on the Foundations of Classical and Quantum Field 
Theories

Date: Sun., December 14
Location: Ludwigstr. 31, ground floor, room 021
Time: 09:00 - 18:30

Since its introduction in the nineteenth century, the concept of a field 
as an independent physical entity has become central to modern physics. 
Many highly successful classical theories, most notably electromagnetism 
and gravitation, were reformulated along field-theoretic lines, leading 
to advances in the understanding of their respective subject matters as 
well as enriching knowledge of field theory itself. The great 
development of these classical field theories influenced the founders of 
quantum mechanics, with the subsequent formulation of quantum field 
theories providing molds from which the Standard Model of particle 
physics has been cast. Yet the profound difficulties of finding a 
quantum field theory that incorporates gravitation have forced 
physicists and philosophers to confront the foundations of field theory 
with more scrutiny. While the multifaceted nature of the difficulties 
with quantum field theory may have reopened inquiry into classical field 
theories in hopes of finding potent analogies, this study has developed 
a rich life of its own. This workshop brings together communities of 
researchers working from different viewpoints on the foundations of both 
classical and quantum field theory.

For more information visit: 
http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/events/workshops/container/found_field_theories/index.html