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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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...