Reductionism, Emergence, and Effective Field Theories
History and Philosophy of Physics
2007-05-23 v1
Abstract
In recent years, a change in attitude in particle physics has led to our understanding current quantum field theories as effective field theories (EFTs). The present paper is concerned with the significance of this EFT approach, especially from the viewpoint of the debate on reductionism in science. In particular, it is a purpose of this paper to clarify how EFTs may provide an interesting case-study in current philosophical discussion on reduction, emergence and inter-level relationships in general.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0101039,
title = {Reductionism, Emergence, and Effective Field Theories},
author = {Elena Castellani},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0101039},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
18 pages, LateX2e, to appear in Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics