The dissipative approach to quantum field theory: conceptual foundations and ontological implications

Andrea Oldofredi; Hans Christian Öttinger

doi:10.1007/s13194-020-00330-9

The dissipative approach to quantum field theory: conceptual foundations and ontological implications

Eur J Philos Sci. 2021;11(1):18. doi: 10.1007/s13194-020-00330-9. Epub 2020 Dec 17.

Authors

Andrea Oldofredi¹, Hans Christian Öttinger²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Philosophy, University of Lausanne, 1015 Chamberonne, Lausanne, CH Switzerland.
² Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.

Abstract

Many attempts have been made to provide Quantum Field Theory with conceptually clear and mathematically rigorous foundations; remarkable examples are the Bohmian and the algebraic perspectives respectively. In this essay we introduce the dissipative approach to QFT, a new alternative formulation of the theory explaining the phenomena of particle creation and annihilation starting from nonequilibrium thermodynamics. It is shown that DQFT presents a rigorous mathematical structure, and a clear particle ontology, taking the best from the mentioned perspectives. Finally, after the discussion of its principal implications and consequences, we compare it with the main Bohmian QFTs implementing a particle ontology.

Keywords: Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics; Ontology; Quantum field theory; Realism.