[PhilPhys] Lisbon Philosophy of Physics Seminars: Chip Sebens (TUESDAY May 23rd on Zoom)

[Andrea Oldofredi]

Dear List Members,

On *Tuesday* May 23 Chip Sebens (Caltech) will give a talk at the Lisbon
Philosophy of Physics Seminars titled "*The Fundamentality of Fields*"
(abstract below).

These events are organized in the context of the activities of the LanCog
Research Group <https://cful.letras.ulisboa.pt/lancog/> at the Centre of
Philosophy of the University of Lisbon, and they will focus on the
foundations of quantum and spacetime physics.

The meeting will be held on Zoom at *18:30**-20:30* CEST. If you have not
registered yet, you can do so here
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pe9-CUZwKFA_uS0j-wD7bRQatIO-SdzxBqKlmkM6XOY/edit?usp=drive_web>
.

You can address any question to Andrea Oldofredi (
aoldofredi at letras.ulisboa.pt).

ABSTRACT:

There is debate as to whether quantum field theory is, at bottom, a quantum
theory of fields or particles. One can take a field approach to the theory,
using wave functionals over field configurations, or a particle approach,
using wave functions over particle configurations. I will argue for a field
approach, presenting three advantages over a particle approach: (1)
particle wave functions are not available for photons, (2) a classical
field model of the electron gives a superior account of both spin and
self-interaction as compared to a classical particle model, and (3) the
space of field wave functionals appears to be larger than the space of
particle wave functions. I will also describe two important tasks facing
proponents of a field approach: (1) legitimize or excise the use of
Grassmann numbers for fermionic field values and in wave functional amplitudes,
and (2) describe how quantum fields give rise to particle-like behavior.


Best regards,

Andrea Oldofredi
----------

Dr. Andrea Oldofredi

Postdoc FCT

Internet Resources:
https://unil.academia.edu/AndreaOldofredi
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea_Oldofredi

Mailing Address:
University of Lisbon
Centre of Philosophy
Alameda da Universidade, 1600-214, Lisbon
Portugal
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