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Although I have a good understanding of how to do calculations in gauge field theory, I am still dissatisfied with my understanding of why we use them in the first place.
From a philosophical point, it should be possible to characterize a gauge theory in terms of observables only. I suppose one than has to work with nonlocal observables like Wilson loops and the introduction of non gauge invariant operators appears as a mathematical trick to restore locality.
However, I have never seen this worked out (besides not being sure whether it is correct at all).
From a philosophical point, it should be possible to characterize a gauge theory in terms of observables only. I suppose one than has to work with nonlocal observables like Wilson loops and the introduction of non gauge invariant operators appears as a mathematical trick to restore locality.
However, I have never seen this worked out (besides not being sure whether it is correct at all).