I could do this with any other theory of physics just as easily, e.g., in Newtonian mechanics are are particles ontologically basic, or are points in the universal phase space?
Edit: Also, I never said the concrete was incoherent, I said the concept of “ontologically basic” was incoherent.
No, I’m saying that the people asking whether something is “ontologically basic” are arguing cartography. Also it’s funny how they only ask the question of things they don’t believe exist.
There are good reasons not to consider particles ontologically basic. For instance, particle number is not relativistically invariant in quantum field theory. What looks like a vacuum to an inertial observer will not look like a vacuum to an accelerating observer (see here). If the existence of particles depends on something as trivial as an observer’s state of motion, it is hard to maintain that they are the basic constituents of the universe.
Assuming the standard model of quantum mechanics is more or less correct which enteties are ontologically basic?
1) Leptons and quarks
2) The quantum fields
3) The universal wave function
4) The Hilbert space where said wave function lives
5) The mathematics used to describe the wave function
Interesting, but this does not exactly mean the concrete is incoherent, more that QM isnt playing ball.
I could do this with any other theory of physics just as easily, e.g., in Newtonian mechanics are are particles ontologically basic, or are points in the universal phase space?
Edit: Also, I never said the concrete was incoherent, I said the concept of “ontologically basic” was incoherent.
You’re arguing issues of cartography, not geography.
No, I’m saying that the people asking whether something is “ontologically basic” are arguing cartography. Also it’s funny how they only ask the question of things they don’t believe exist.
Ok I’m in agreement with that.
I don’t that is clear cut, because space and points have often often been denied any reality
Concrete was my tablets version of concept.
Before I knew of Hilbert space and the universal wave function, I would have said 1, now I am somewhat confused about that.
There are good reasons not to consider particles ontologically basic. For instance, particle number is not relativistically invariant in quantum field theory. What looks like a vacuum to an inertial observer will not look like a vacuum to an accelerating observer (see here). If the existence of particles depends on something as trivial as an observer’s state of motion, it is hard to maintain that they are the basic constituents of the universe.
Thanks! Did not know that.