Particle Metaphysics : A Critical Account of Subatomic Reality

The successes of atomic, nuclear and particle physics have not banished controversy regarding the constitution of matter. This book analyzes the debates by exploring the particle concept in physics. Are the particles of modern physics "real" or "virtual," their existence conjured through the careless application of abstract theories? Are philosophers who debate "scientific realism" clinging to a problem long ago solved by physicists? These questions are far from settled, because, with the introduction of quantum theory, physical science no longer possesses a reliable particle concept. Scientists and philosophers interested in the "true meaning" of physical concepts will find this book informative and thought provoking.

The empirical successes of atomic, nuclear, and particle physics have not reduced -- and may never fully resolve -- the philosophical controversies about the inner constitution of matter. This book examines these debates by exploring the particle concept in physics. Are the particles of modern physics "real" or are they fictitious entities, their existence deduced merely by the careless application of abstract theories? Or are the philosophers involved in the debate about "scientific realism" dedicating themselves to a problem that has long been solved by physicists? Studies of the experimental basis and theoretical relevance of the particle concept reveal that these questions are far from easy to answer, because, since the introduction of quantum theory, physical science no longer possesses a single unambiguous particle concept. All those interested in the "true meaning" of such physical concepts will find this book informative and thought provoking. It is written at a level accessible to scholars, students and teachers of science and philosophy.