The Dissipative Approach to Quantum Field Theory: Conceptual Foundations and Ontological Implications

TL;DR

This paper introduces the dissipative approach to quantum field theory (DQFT), a new formulation grounded in nonequilibrium thermodynamics that offers a rigorous mathematical structure and a clear particle ontology, addressing foundational issues.

Contribution

It presents DQFT as a novel, rigorous framework combining insights from Bohmian and algebraic perspectives, with implications for particle ontology and quantum phenomena.

Findings

DQFT provides a rigorous mathematical structure.

It offers a clear particle ontology.

It explains particle creation and annihilation from thermodynamic principles.

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.